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.



Snow Seen on Mount Fuji after Record Absence

Top of Mt.Fuji is covered by snow in this photo taken by Kyodo, Japan, November 6, 2024. Mandatory credit Kyodo/via REUTERS
Top of Mt.Fuji is covered by snow in this photo taken by Kyodo, Japan, November 6, 2024. Mandatory credit Kyodo/via REUTERS
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Snow Seen on Mount Fuji after Record Absence

Top of Mt.Fuji is covered by snow in this photo taken by Kyodo, Japan, November 6, 2024. Mandatory credit Kyodo/via REUTERS
Top of Mt.Fuji is covered by snow in this photo taken by Kyodo, Japan, November 6, 2024. Mandatory credit Kyodo/via REUTERS

Snow has finally fallen on the 3,776-meter-high Mount Fuji, images showed Wednesday, after warm weather led to the Japanese mountain's longest-ever stint with bare slopes.

The volcano's famous snowcap begins forming on October 2 on average, and last year snow was first observed by government meteorologists on October 5.

The first snowfall on Mt. Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage site, could be seen from the southwestern side of the mountain early Wednesday, according to the Shizuoka branch of the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Japan's weather agency -- which compares conditions from exactly the same location, Kofu City, each year -- has not yet announced a new record for the slowest start to the snowcap, due to cloud cover at its monitoring station.

This year marks the latest arrival of snow since comparative data became available in 1894, beating the previous record of October 26 -- seen twice, in 1955 and 2016.

Japan's summer this year was the joint hottest on record -- along with 2023 -- as extreme heatwaves fuelled by climate change engulfed many parts of the globe.

A symbol of Japan, the mountain called “Fujisan” used to be a place of pilgrimage. The mountain with its snowy top and near symmetrical slopes have been the subject of numerous forms of art, including Japanese ukiyoe artist Katsushika Hokusai's Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji.

Today, it attracts hikers who climb to the summit to see the sunrise. But tons of trash left behind and overcrowding have triggered concern and calls for environmental protection and measures to control overtourism.