STAFF REPORT KHI: The two-day Regional Symposium on marine turtles and their conservation has concluded in Karachi, where experts from different countries participating in the event shared valuable experiences in turtle conservation in their countries.
The symposium was organized by IUCN under its “Saving the Endangered Sea Turtles” project funded by USAID Small Grants and Ambassador Funds Programme.
Marine turtle conservation experts from Bangladesh, Germany, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam and UAE also attended the event.
Malik Amin Aslam, IUCN Global Vice, said that efforts are needed not only to protect and conserve sea turtles within the national jurisdictions, but also across the region. “Conservation efforts in one country may prove less effective, if threats to these migratory animals persist in other countries,” he noted.
Aban Marker Kabraji, Regional Director, IUCN Asia, mentioned about the elephant ivory and rhino horns illegal trade which was becoming highly lucrative in the international market and ran into trillions of dollars.
“Since wildlife trade is illegal it also comes under the categories of drugs, arms and human trafficking trade. It undermines economies, legislations, and rules of law and endangers also the security of the system,” she disclosed.
Dr. Nicolas Piltcher said that a number of major threats to sea turtles were being faced but simultaneously conservation efforts have also been underway.