In 2012, Mermaid Beach Resort in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, unveiled a striking giant turtle sculpture to raise awareness about sea turtle conservation.
This impressive artwork has since become a popular tourist attraction.
The sculpture, crafted by artist Roni Ahmed, stands 18 feet tall, 35 feet wide, and 57 feet long. It blends seamlessly into the resort’s serene natural surroundings.
What makes the piece even more meaningful is the use of plastic waste collected from the sea to add intricate artistic details to the turtle’s body. This symbolic feature highlights the growing environmental threats faced by marine life.
A senior official from Mermaid explained that sea turtles are both fascinating and crucial for marine ecosystems.
By consuming debris, they help clean the ocean, and every year, they undertake epic migrations to lay eggs on the sandy beaches of Cox’s Bazar.
These ancient creatures have lived in the oceans for over 200 million years, maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.
However, many sea turtle species are critically endangered due to modern environmental pressures.
Through this sculpture, Mermaid aims to raise awareness among local fishermen and the community about the urgent need to protect these remarkable creatures.
By Mohammad Morshed
