On 2 – 4 July 2024 an on-the-spot-appraisal (OSA) was convened in Anamur Mersin, Türkiye. Related to the case-file 2019/5: Habitat destruction in Mersin Anamur Beach, the appraisal included visits to the habitats of the Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and Nile soft-shelled turtles (Trionyx triunguis). It also offered an opportunity to discuss the ways of improving the situation with the many concerned stakeholders, including Prof. Dr. Yakup Kaska, one of the country’s foremost turtle researchers and member of the National Sea Turtle Scientific Committee.
Co-organised by the Turkish national, regional and local authorities, the complainant (MERÇED) and the Bern Convention Secretariat, the OSA resulted in several concrete proposals to instigate regular cooperation among stakeholders and put in place solutions to some recurring issues hindering the turtles’ nesting and hatching, essential for the conservation of the species.
Dr Alan Rees, an independent expert tasked by the Bern Convention Secretariat to evaluate the situation on the spot provided advice on improving the data gathering and improving the status of the habitat of the species concerned. He will produce a report summarising his findings with key recommendations which will be presented to the 44th meeting of the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention (2-6 December 2024) for possible adoption.
