NT NETWORK
The 30th annual symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation is currently on at the Kala Academy, Panaji. It is for the very first time that it is being held in the South Asian region.
The theme for this year symposium - ‘The World of Turtle’ – means to draw attention to the coastal,

near-shore and oceanic ecosystems that marine turtles inhabit and use, while also focusing on the human communities (particularly coastal fishing communities) who interact with marine turtles.
“We wanted to zoom out for a birds eye view of the world of turtles; the many ecosystems and habitats they use including sandy beaches, sea-grass meadows, coral reefs and open seas,”  said Dr Kartik Shanker, from the Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, and president of the International Sea Turtle Society.
This symposium brings together a diverse range of participants from around the world, including students, academics, activists and conservationists. Over 700 individuals from 70 plus countries across the world will be attending, making it one of the largest international conferences on ecology and conservation to be held in India. Some of the best known biologists and conservationists in the field will be present.
“We wanted to draw attention to the human communities and livelihoods issues in coastal areas and lay the foundation for a more practical and inclusive conservation approach,” he added.
The programme also includes two key regional events: a South Asia mini symposium, which will overview research from within the region as well as a Fisheries Forum, which will serve to foster greater engagement between conservationists and fisheries representatives.
 “This is an excellent opportunity for organisations and researchers from across the region to interact, collaborate and discuss various issues related to coastal and marine resources and their conservation, from the perspective of marine turtles as global flagship species,” Dr Shanker said.
The symposium will also be used to garner support for several public petitions on issues of importance to marine turtles and their habitats, including one asking that ports and large infrastructural projects are kept at least 25 km away from critical marine turtle nesting habitats. 
Goa is indeed an ideal place for such symposium as it is a home for the Olive Ridley turtle to lay their eggs on some beaches of Goa, now under threat due to habitat loss. 
While terrestrial conservation has so far taken centre stage, this symposium is a landmark event for marine related issues.  “The ISTS would like to thank the Ministry of Environment and Forests for its crucial funding and support of this endeavour.” concluded Dr Shanker. Mr Jairam Ramesh, Minister for Environment and Forests is expected to deliver a keynote address on 'A Seascape Approach to Marine Conservation in South Asia.'
The symposium is being organised by the International Sea Turtle Society, in partnership with the Government of India’s Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Centre for Ecological Sciences/Indian Institute of Science (IISc), National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (MCBT), Foundation for Ecological Research, Learning and Advocacy (FERAL) and Dakshin Foundation.
The symposium will continue till April 30.