North-Western Indian Ocean Sub-Regional Meeting Identifies Joint Opportunities for Marine Turtle Conservation

On 29 November 2021, the first ever Meeting of the North-Western Indian Ocean held independently of a Meeting of Signatory States (MOS) convened online. Thirty participants joined the meeting, including delegates from six Signatory States (Bahrain, Islamic Republic of Iran, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) and two non-Signatory Range States (Kuwait and Qatar), three Advisory Committee Members, several observers, and the Secretariat. Oman, the Sub-Regional Focal Point for the North-Western Indian Ocean, chaired the meeting.

Participants exchanged their experiences within the sub-region, highlighting the ongoing research and conservation efforts, as well as the challenges their countries are facing. They were also briefed about progress with the implementation of the MOU Work Programme 2020-2024.

The discussions underscored the need for collaboration within the sub-region. Potential collaborative efforts that were highlighted include research on the genetic population structure of sea turtles in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf, and on understanding and managing the effects of climate change on sea turtle populations and their habitats in the sub-region.

Also, it was suggested that countries might wish to discuss how to implement the proposed “30 by 30” target proposed by the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, which foresees the protection of at least 30% of Earth’s land and sea by 2030, which is part of a package being negotiated for the next decade and beyond. This provides an opportunity to implement area-based measures with the greatest possible benefit to marine turtles in the sub-region.

Participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to exchange information and strengthen working relationships within the sub-region with the goal of enhancing implementation of the MOU and its Conservation and Management Plan.

The report of the meeting will become available in due course on this meeting webpage.