Side Event
Blueprint for Saving Pacific Sea Turtles
Organizer
WWF and WorldFish
Date and Time
16 February 2004 13:15 - 14:45
<p><b>By Invitation Only</b></p><p>WorldFish and WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) are hosting an event titled "Building integrated solutions for marine turtle conservation: A Blueprint for Saving Pacific Turtles" at lunchtime on Monday February 16th. The event will focus on integrated approaches to Pacific marine turtle conservation and will include several recent examples of leadership and innovation by governments in the region. It will also provide a forum for dialogue on how marine protected areas contribute to the conservation of sites of high biodiversity value, such as turtle nesting beaches, and how the CBD can help meet the challenge of effective conservation of migratory marine species. </p><p>Pacific marine turtles are creatures with great public appeal that hold a special place in the cultures and traditions of many coastal communities and nations. Most Pacific turtle populations are highly endangered, and whilst Atlantic populations of species such as the Leatherback are showing some signs of recovery, many Pacific populations continue to decline and are considered to be close to extinction. Reversing this trend will require building comprehensive conservation solutions that include both policy and field based interventions. This poses an immense challenge, especially when considering species that cross the entire Pacific Ocean and whose critical habitats include both beaches and the high seas. We believe that success is within reach, as evidenced by the recent efforts that will be reported, but that much needs to be done. </p><p>Conservation of sea turtles can be seen as emblematic of the scaling up required to protect marine and coastal biodiversity and this event offers a timely opportunity for dialogue in the context of the CBD. </p>Tel. (65) 6327 8243 <br>Fax. (65) 6327 8245 <br>E-mail: gllewellyn@tingey.com.sg <br>Mobile: (65) 91376097