Sea turtles have been around for over 200 million years, but are now facing extinction. All species of sea turtles are on the engendered species list and time is running out to save these unique denizens of the oceans. Enter a rock group with a purpose. Mana is a Mexican rock band with a focus to save and protect endangered species. Through support for environmental groups, education and music, Mana music spreads the message of restoring the ecological balance and saving the oceans and marine life. Mana clothing is a way for fans to proclaim their support for the group and its work for the environment.
Sea turtles are an endangered species
Why sea turtles? They’ve been around for hundreds of millions of years, but now their very existence is threatened because of human activity like overharvesting and illegal trade. We are in the middle of what has been called the Sixth Extinction, a great die-off of animal and plant species that can be traced to human activity and its harmful impact on the environment.
The fate of the sea turtles and all other endangered species speaks to the condition of the natural world in an age of ecological devastation resulting from the search for economic growth and profit. Mana has a message of environmental equilibrium and preservation, which resonates with changing priorities worldwide.
Mexico and sea turtles
Mexico has a special connection to the sea turtles, and seven of the eight species use the country’s beaches to nest, feed and raise their young. These species are the Green sea turtle, the Galápagos green turtle, the Loggerhead, the Hawksbill, the Leatherback sea turtle, the Olive ridley sea turtle, and the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, all of which come ashore to lay their eggs on Mexico’s beaches. Once hatched, the baby turtles make their way from their nursery on the beach to the sea. This short journey can be perilous, and environmental groups mobilize each year to help the baby turtles make it back to their marine home.
Recognizing the special link that the country has with sea turtles, the government of Mexico has enacted measures for their protection. The first of these was in 1990, and totally banned the capture and sales of sea turtles in all Mexican waters, including in the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific Ocean, and the Gulf of California. This made it illegal to remove, capture, bother, or harm any species or sub-species of marine turtle. The ban included collecting or interacting with turtle eggs.
Mana history and Selva Negra
Mana is a Mexican rock band formed in 1986 in Guadalajara. Mana music mixes Latin rhythms with Caribbean rock. The group’s name is taken from the Polynesian word for positive energy. They have sold over 40 million albums worldwide. Since the release of their first album, Falta Amor, in 1990, the group has had over 50 number one hits globally. Mana music carries the message of ecological equilibrium and preserving the oceans and ocean life.
Mana music history is not the only thing that fans love about them. The group is committed to preserving the environment and protecting endangered species, and set up the group Selva Negra to carry out this mission. Rescuing baby turtles and helping them make it back safely to their marine home from the beaches where they hatch symbolizes Selva Negra’s efforts. Selva Nedra is also concerned with food production, environmental education, music and helping agricultural communities maintain the ecological balance.
Mana fans have a chance to support their work and help people to learn more about it by wearing mana shirts and the mana clothing line. Mana music history connects with the feelings of their fans around the world, in their concern for the earth and the sea and all their creatures.