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
TT

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.



Indonesia to Permanently Relocate Thousands of Residents after Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Eruptions

Villagers flee during an eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, a day after the previous eruption, in Boru Village, in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, on November 5, 2024. (AFP)
Villagers flee during an eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, a day after the previous eruption, in Boru Village, in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, on November 5, 2024. (AFP)
TT

Indonesia to Permanently Relocate Thousands of Residents after Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Eruptions

Villagers flee during an eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, a day after the previous eruption, in Boru Village, in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, on November 5, 2024. (AFP)
Villagers flee during an eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, a day after the previous eruption, in Boru Village, in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, on November 5, 2024. (AFP)

The Indonesian government plans to permanently relocate thousands of residents after a series of eruptions of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano which killed nine people and damaged thousands of houses, officials said.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, located on Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara province, erupted on Sunday night, followed by smaller eruptions on Monday and Tuesday, and remains on the highest volcanic alert status.

Permanent relocation is considered as "long-term mitigation measures" to anticipate similar eruption in the future, said Suharyanto, the head of Indonesia's disaster agency in a statement on Wednesday.

The government aims to relocate all residents living within seven km (four miles) radius from the crater, he added.

There are more than 16,000 residents living in the nearest villages from the volcano, but the government is still calculating how many residents will be permanently relocated.

As of Wednesday morning, at least 2,500 people had been evacuated, said Heronimus Lamawuran, spokesperson of East Flores regional government.

The government will also build houses for the relocation, said Suharyanto without giving further detail.

"The volcano cannot be moved so it is the people who must move to safer locations," Suharyanto said.

The local government has declared a state of emergency for the next 57 days and prohibited any activity within seven km (four miles) from the crater.

Indonesia's volcanology agency on Tuesday raised the status of another volcano located in East Nusa Tenggara province, around 200 kms (124 miles) from Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki to the second highest level due to its "rising" volcanic activity although no eruption recorded as of Wednesday.

Hadi Wijaya, the spokesperson for the volcanology agency, said the rising activity of Mount Iya had no correlation with eruptions of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki.

Indonesia straddles the so-called "Pacific Ring of Fire," an area of high seismic activity where multiple tectonic plates meet.