The endangered endemic species of sand lilies growing on the beaches of the Erdemli district of Mersin province in Türkiye were secured with stripes by preschool children, accompanied by the Erdemli Municipality.

“Sand lilies bloom between August and September. This region is both the habitat of the caretta cerattas and the sand lilies. We have secured them with stripes and put up warning signs with our little kids. Right now, our teachers are informing them about sand lilies. It is our duty to instill this awareness in them and pass it on to future generations,” said Erdemli Mayor Mustafa Kara.

The penalty for picking sand lilies, which are especially dense in the nesting area of sea turtles, and taking their bulbs abroad is ₺387,141.