President, International Sea Turtle Society
Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences
University of Ghana
aagyekumhene@gmail.com
In March 2025, the 43rd International Sea Turtle Society Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation, hosted each year by the International Sea Turtle Society (ISTS), will be held in the beautiful country of Ghana in the city of Accra. This is the first time that the Symposium will take place on the African continent. The theme of the Symposium is “Unity and Collaboration” which underscores the need for the global community of turtlers to unite and foster strong and lasting collaborations to achieve our overarching goal of ensuring that sea turtles continue to thrive around the globe and play significant roles of sustaining ecosystems and species. The Symposium will be held from 22nd-27th March 2025 at the Mensvic Grande Hotel. The Mensvic Hotel offers world-class accommodations, cuisine, and hospitality, while the city of Accra boasts a rich and diverse cultural heritage of Ghana and Africa and provides opportunities to explore important nearby sites of cultural significance, National Parks, extensive shopping, and visits to the University of Ghana (formerly University College of Gold Coast) which is the premier University of the country. We expect more than 500 participants from around the world to attend the 43rd International Sea Turtle Society Symposium. The two pre-conference days will focus on regional meetings and a variety of practical workshops tailored to help build the capacity of participants in emerging topics in sea turtle conservation. During the Symposium, there will be carefully selected special sessions on fisheries, biology, and conservation, to list but a few, which will provide opportunities for students, researchers, government officials, and community members to present their conservation efforts and research findings among an engaging community of peers. The student mixer and opening social will feature local and international food stalls with local entertainment, while the closing banquet will be an elegant formal event you will not want to miss.
The Symposium website (https://www.ists43ghana.org) will go live later this year, with all the needed information regarding registration, deadlines, and helpful links for planning your trip and time at the Symposium and in Ghana. Be sure to register early. I and my entire organising team encourage you to begin planning now to attend the 43rd International Sea Turtle Society Symposium. We look forward to warmly welcoming you to Ghana, the gateway to West Africa.
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