T u r t l e d i v es
Protecting m arine biodiversit y in the Mediterranean since 1988
Issue 20 | Christmas 2022
Dear Friends,
How quickly the year seems to have gone by! It has been a time during which extreme weather events have made the seriousness of the climate crisis we face ever clearer. The world leaders, who have recently met at the United Nations Climate Conference (COP27) in Egypt, failed to make bold yet necessary decisions about our planet’s future. As the year draws to its close, at MEDASSET we are completing the second phase of two very important programmes that focussed on preserving marine biodiversity: The “MedBycatch” programme aimed to study and mitigate the incidental catch of vulnerable species in fishing gear, while the programme “Conservation of Marine Turtles in the Mediterranean Region” brought together NGOs, international conventions, scientists and local communities in a common effort to protect these emblematic creatures. Both programmes were funded by the Swiss MAVA foundation. We are hopeful that the huge and significant efforts that have been made over the last five years can now be extended into a third phase. We are directing our efforts into achieving this goal. A few days ago, the sea turtle community lost one of its most prominent sea turtle conservationists, Andreas Demetropoulos from Cyprus. Andreas was an acclaimed scientist, researcher and photographer, who worked tirelessly in the field of sea turtle conservation, both in Cyprus as well as across the Mediterranean. We thank you Andreas for your generous support to our work, ever since our foundation in 1988 and until now. Together with the whole MEDASSET team, I send you Season’s Greetings and wishes for a New Year filled with Good Health, Peace and Hope.
Lily Venizelos President
The Caretta caretta turtle has the leading role in our new documentary "My Name is Blue" Photo ©Bastian Fischer/MEDASSET
Conservation of Marine Turtles in the Mediterranean Region (Phase 2) (Funded by the MAVA Foundation, Switzerland)
Our new documentary, “My Name is Blue” focuses on the conservation of sea turtles in the Mediterranean region. It was shot in four Mediterranean countries: Turkey, Albania, Greece and Tunisia and it will soon be available to watch online. Meanwhile you can find the trailer on MEDASSET’s YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= p1QljfBbFn8
Workshop in Tunisia during the programme. ©Dorra MAAOUI/SPARAC
“Learning & Sharing” programme
(Funded by the MAVA Foundation, Switzerland)
This programme was born out of the need to share with others working to protect the marine environment, the knowledge and insights that were acquired in the course of our engagement and cooperation with fishermen as the “MedBycatch” programme progressed. The aim was to communicate to interested parties all the best practice that leads to the formation of constructive relationships with the fishermen, who are such a significant target group for the marine environment.
The MedBycatch team at the project's international conference. ©MedBycatch project _ photo Gustavo Valverde
MedBycatch (Phase 2)
(Funded by the MAVA Foundation, Switzerland)
The international conference, where the results of the programme relating to the incidental catch of vulnerable species were presented, was held in Malaga, Spain. Scientists, NGOs, international conventions and organisations gathered to participate. During the conference, the important and valuable contribution made to the programme by the fishermen, was stressed. This is an indication that there is hope for the reduction of the incidental catches of vulnerable species in the Mediterranean.
Educating adults and older people on environmental protection
Environmental education for adults and older people
This aspect of our work continues with an emphasis on offering equal educational opportunities to all age groups. In the coming year, we shall be innovating through the implementation of two educational programmes targeting adults and older people. One is Greek-funded (“Points of Support”, Bodosakis Foundation) and the other has funding from the European Erasmus+ fund. Both programmes aim to raise environmental awareness and to encourage the participation of volunteers of all ages and generations in activities that have as a goal the protection of the environment.