Beaverton, OR - 26 November 2016 (ECOCLUB.com): "Too Rare To Wear" is a new coalition of conservation organisations, tour operators, and many others. Their goal is to end the sale of turtleshell products to travellers in Latin America to protect the critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle. Hawksbill sea turtles are one of the most beautiful and important species in the ocean. They help coral reefs thrive and are a thrill for divers and snorkelers to see in the wild. But they have been hunted to the edge of extinction for their colourful shell. Their shell (also known as "tortoiseshell") is made into jewellery, guitar picks, combs and other products that are sold in markets across Latin America & the Caribbean. 

The "Too Rare to Wear" Campaign is led by Brad Nahill. In addition to working with Too Rare To Wear, Mr Nahill is also director of the sea turtle conservation organization SEE Turtles, which is affiliated with the Oceanic Society. He has worked in sea turtle conservation, ecotourism, and environmental education for more than 15 years with organisations including Ocean Conservancy, Rare, and Asociacion ANAI (Costa Rica).

The Pledge text is as follows:

When travelling in Latin America and the Caribbean, I pledge to shop carefully at souvenir shops and look for and avoid any products made of turtle shell, including bracelets, earrings, rings, guitar picks, combs, and fans.

When I find turtleshell for sale, I will let the vendors know that I only purchase from stores that are turtle-friendly.

Instead, I will look for and purchase locally made and eco-friendly products.

And I will encourage my friends and family to avoid turtleshell products and share this campaign with them.

To lend your support please visit http://www.tooraretowear.org/pledge/