This study has been carried out with the main objective of documenting the community initiatives in Goa and Kerala and based on the lessons learnt in these cases, chalk out a community participatory plan for a non-PA nesting site in Orissa. Using informal methods such as through interviews and by conducting meetings and slide shows, information was collected. What is characteristic in both Goa and Kerala is that these are community initiatives. The sites examined are Morjim beach in Goa and Kolavipaalam beach, Kozhikode, Kerala. In Goa, the forest department and the community members realized that the initiative would not survive without the participation and support of both parties. For the local community, this was a novel experiment which made them realize that without having to sell away their ancestral land or without having to emigrate to cities, they could continue to earn a living. In Kerala, the forest department has been not as active as in Goa but supported the community. The initiative led to the empowerment of the community. It is also relevant to note that the community initiative was born purely out of concern for the natural environment and continues without any notable benefit attached to it. Based on these experiences, a plan was formulated to be executed in Rushikuliya, Orissa of a community led initiative for turtle protection.