Saudi Arabia Hosts Groundbreaking Int’l Symposium for Conservation of Sea Turtles in Red Sea

Workshops held during the symposium emphasized an integrated approach to safeguard sea turtles in critical habitats. SPA
Workshops held during the symposium emphasized an integrated approach to safeguard sea turtles in critical habitats. SPA
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Saudi Arabia Hosts Groundbreaking Int’l Symposium for Conservation of Sea Turtles in Red Sea

Workshops held during the symposium emphasized an integrated approach to safeguard sea turtles in critical habitats. SPA
Workshops held during the symposium emphasized an integrated approach to safeguard sea turtles in critical habitats. SPA

Saudi Arabia hosted the inaugural International Symposium for the Conservation of Sea Turtles in the Red Sea, gathering 93 environmental experts, academics, and biodiversity specialists from 10 countries. Held in Jeddah from November 3 to 6 under the theme “Navigating the Future: Advancing Sea Turtle Conservation in the Red Sea through Science, Collaboration, and Innovation,” the symposium marked a significant step toward unified conservation efforts in the region.

Organized by the General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS), this pioneering event—the first of its kind—highlights the Kingdom's commitment to environmental sustainability and global collaboration in protecting Red Sea marine life. Aimed at addressing the pressing challenges facing sea turtles, the symposium aligns with international conservation obligations and seeks to safeguard the region’s natural heritage.

Over four intensive days, the conference showcased the latest research and identified solutions to urgent environmental issues. The event featured seven keynote addresses by leading international experts, along with 31 presentations and four working groups focused on strengthening conservation strategies. Key discussions covered the current state of sea turtle protection in the Red Sea and explored innovative actions to establish a comprehensive conservation framework for the region.

Workshops held during the symposium emphasized an integrated approach to safeguard sea turtles in critical habitats, such as the Ras Baridi breeding sites, which face environmental threats. Participants also gained insights into the efforts of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Marine Turtle Specialist Group (IUCN MTSG) and the Northwest Indian Ocean Turtle Study Team (MTTF NWIO) under the IOSEA Convention’s guidance.

One major outcome of the symposium was the agreement to develop a regional action plan for sea turtle conservation, alongside bilateral initiatives among Red Sea nations to rehabilitate turtle nesting beaches and provide strategic support for future conservation efforts. Additionally, the conference promoted partnerships with universities to facilitate international mentoring for Saudi students and fostered local collaborations aimed at preserving vital turtle habitats, particularly on the "Four Sisters" islands. Recently designated by SHAMS as requiring specialized environmental management, these islands represent a unique ecosystem that will receive targeted conservation efforts.

This landmark symposium underscores the Kingdom’s dedication to environmental preservation and paves the way for collaborative, science-driven solutions to ensure the sustainability of Red Sea biodiversity.



Prince William Says Wife Kate Doing 'Really Well' after Chemotherapy

Britain's Prince William, the Prince of Wales, known as the Duke of Cornwall when in Cornwall, reacts during a visit to St. Mary's Harbour, the maritime gateway to the Isles of Scilly, England, to meet representatives from local businesses operating in the area, Friday May 10, 2024. (Ben Birchall/PA via AP)
Britain's Prince William, the Prince of Wales, known as the Duke of Cornwall when in Cornwall, reacts during a visit to St. Mary's Harbour, the maritime gateway to the Isles of Scilly, England, to meet representatives from local businesses operating in the area, Friday May 10, 2024. (Ben Birchall/PA via AP)
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Prince William Says Wife Kate Doing 'Really Well' after Chemotherapy

Britain's Prince William, the Prince of Wales, known as the Duke of Cornwall when in Cornwall, reacts during a visit to St. Mary's Harbour, the maritime gateway to the Isles of Scilly, England, to meet representatives from local businesses operating in the area, Friday May 10, 2024. (Ben Birchall/PA via AP)
Britain's Prince William, the Prince of Wales, known as the Duke of Cornwall when in Cornwall, reacts during a visit to St. Mary's Harbour, the maritime gateway to the Isles of Scilly, England, to meet representatives from local businesses operating in the area, Friday May 10, 2024. (Ben Birchall/PA via AP)

Britain's Prince William said on Wednesday his wife Kate was doing "really well" and had been amazing in a year when she has undergone preventative chemotherapy for cancer.

The British heir to the throne is currently in South Africa where he will later host the annual awards ceremony for his multi-million-dollar

Earthshot Prize. He made the trip without Kate who is still recovering from her treatment.

He said she would be cheering him on from their home in Britain.

"She's doing really well thanks," he told the BBC ahead of his environmental prize's awards ceremony in Cape Town. "She's been amazing this whole year. I know she will be really keen to see tonight be a success."

As well as Kate, he said he hoped their three children George, 11, Charlotte, 9, and Louis, 6, would also be watching on proudly, saying they as a family did what they could to help the environment.

"We go through all the basics of recycling and making sure we minimise water use and turning off lights when we leave the house and stuff like that," he said.

William set up the Earthshot prize to find innovations to combat climate and other green issues in 2020, inspired by U.S. President John F. Kennedy's 1960s "moonshot" project which led to the 1969 lunar landing. Five winners receive 1 million pounds ($1.3 million) every year to drive their projects.

Asked how he could convey his Earthshot message during a tough political climate for environmental causes, he told the BBC: "I think everyone wants some hope and wants some optimism."

He said the young people of Africa who would attend the awards would show how important the issue was to them.

"Without them, you know, the future is looking pretty bleak," he said.