Project Activities

The Project Conservation of Marine Turtles in the Mediterranean Region  aims to enhance the protection and conservation of Marine Turtles in the Mediterranean Region by reducing human-induced direct mortality.

Activities are taking place in 13 Countries:

Albania, Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Spain, Tunisia and Turkey.

Applied Research and Monitoring of nesting sites and marine hotspots

• Monitoring of known and sporadic nesting sites.
• Assessment of beach quality for nesting and incubation on potential nesting areas.
• Evaluation of climate change impacts on nesting.
• Improved knowledge on migration routes and feeding sites using current and new technologies (i.e. satellite tracking, isotope and genetic analysis, etc.).

Reinforcement of coordination and implementation of harmonized protocols

• Identification and mapping of important Marine Turtle Areas in the Mediterranean.
• Standardised monitoring protocols on Marine Turtles available for managers of Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
• Integration of collected data in the Mediterranean Biodiversity Platform.

Capacity building for relevant stakeholders for marine turtle conservation

• Organization of regional trainings on identification and monitoring of nesting areas.
• Standardised assessment of beach quality for nesting.
• Permanent operational training centers developed for MPA managers.
• MPA exchange visits on managing marine turtles.
• Permanent training centers for education on marine turtles.

Improvement of management and protection of nesting sites

• Elaboration or update of National Action Plans for the conservation of marine turtles.
• Advocacy activities with case studies from pilot sites on marine turtles’ management.
• Rapid assessment of the conservation status of nesting beaches in Greece.
• Manual for MPA (Marine Protected Areas) Managers based on adaptive management principles.
• Awareness raising for local communities.
• Evaluation of socio‐economic benefits linked to marine turtle conservation in Zakynthos National Park (Greece).

Reduce illegal trade of marine turtles in Tunisia

• Assessment of the existing illegal trade by interviewing local stakeholders and communities.
• Sustainable behavior change campaigns.
• Communication activities to raise awareness about marine turtles. General audiences to be informed about the serious threat posed by illegal trade on marine turtle populations.