Armando Lorences: CEA Turtle Program Director

From an article posted on Sac-Be.com:

On a recent trip to Akumal I had the opportunity to sit down with Armando Lorences, coordinator of the Turtle Protection Program at CEA. I have had the pleasure of knowing Armando since he first started at CEA, but this time I actually spent time asking him how it was that he became involved with turtles and dedicating his life to them.

This is the first in a series of profiles we will be doing for Sac-Be.com. Given the seriousness of the plight of the sea turtles, the recent phenomena that has attacked the young turtles and with the beginning of turtle season just around the corner (May- November) we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share Armando's profile.

Armando grew up a long way from the shores of the Caribbean Sea, in Mexico City. He first came to the Maya Riviera 20 years ago to Playa Aventuras. Turtles were a fascination of his and so, as a hobby, he started to learn more about them and spent time with professionals who were paving the way in turtle protection. . . .

Eventually, Armando found himself at CEA, as the coordinator for the Turtle Protection Program. I asked him what he likes most about his new position. He explained, as much with facial and body expressions as in words, that it is what he sees happen to the volunteers that he enjoys the most. He said that when the volunteers first come he gives them the basic information and encourages them to explore and learn in their own manner but within the guidelines of turtle protection. He strongly believes that by allowing them to learn in ways that inspires each one of them, it allows the volunteers to be more involved and to want to share more thoughts and information. He considers this his luck – to be able to witness the growth and passion of these young people. The expectations are different for each volunteer. And through this program he has seen their ideas change. He loves working with them and being around people who share his passion.

The work these volunteers do is not easy and he appreciates the dedication and sees the passion as their reward. They often work all night in the rain and with the mosquitoes, at times the hours can seem like eternity and the work can be very boring. But through the 3 months that the volunteers work side by side they become true protectors. Armando is extremely aware of the important part they play by going back to their homes wanting to make a difference, committed to the protection and well being of the turtles and the entire Marine eco-system. They become ambassadors because the experience has been life altering and they leave changed and transformed from the experience. This is what brings Armando true job satisfaction, and the fact that the volunteers come from countries around the world is very encouraging to Armando.

I had to ask the obvious – what doesn't he like about his job. And after carefully considering his response he said it is that some people just don't seem to care. With all the information that is available there are still those who refuse to listen and continue to do things that harm the turtles. There is a certain level of frustration at trying to figure out just exactly how the information can get to the people in a way that will make them understand.