The Emys Foundation conserves the turtle in the Mediterranean area with the support of the Biodiversity Foundation.

“Study and management for the conservation of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) in the Spanish Mediterranean basin” is a project developed by the Emys Foundation, with the support of the Biodiversity Foundation, to improve the declining situation of this species in eastern Spain.

It was based on the development of two sampling campaigns (spring and autumn) of Emys orbicularis in the areas of La Selva (Catalonia), La Albufera (Valencia) and Menorca, sampling a total of 8 population centers from which the conservation status of these populations was determined and their main threats were identified. From these studies, a guide document has been generated that includes the guidelines for the conservation of the species and that allows reversing the decline of the populations.

Subsequently, two new ponds for European ponds were created on farms in La Selva and Menorca, and four existing ponds were restored, two in La Selva, one in the Albufera and one in Menorca. Six new land stewardship agreements were also reached and an annex with conservation guidelines has been included in four agreements already signed.

This project was completed with the implementation of an extensive dissemination and awareness plan, disseminating the objectives and results of the project to a large number of people, through workshops and environmental education activities.