Pacific leatherback conservation has reached an exciting inflection point. Decades of dedicated work across the Pacific Basin—from reducing bycatch to protecting nesting beaches—have laid a strong foundation. This workshop builds on that momentum, offering an unprecedented opportunity to align efforts across countries, sectors, and strategies to ensure the survival of two Pacific leatherback populations that are critically endangered.

We will present the Pacific Leatherback Hub, a new decision-support tool that synthesizes data from across the region to help stakeholders evaluate which conservation actions can be most effective, and where. Built on a multilingual systematic review of academic and grey literature, the tool integrates spatial risk maps, fisheries behavior data, and individual-based population viability models for six nesting regions (Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Indonesia [Jamursba-Medi, Wermon], and Papua New Guinea). These models estimate the levels of bycatch reduction required to stabilize populations, allowing users to explore conservation scenarios and prioritize interventions. The Hub also includes a growing database of mitigation strategies and a quiz that offers gear- and region-specific recommendations.

Workshop participants will engage with the Hub directly, explore findings, and provide input on adapting or expanding its functionality. We'll also discuss national-level capacity scores and behavioral insights to explore how best to support both high-capacity and under-resourced regions. Presentations and discussion sessions will highlight real-world conservation successes and tackle the shared challenge of scaling impact through coordination, targeted action, and open information-sharing.

The goal is to spark a Pacific-wide conversation: Can we collectively update action plans and work together to direct effort where it’s most urgently needed? This workshop offers a platform to connect science with strategy: amplifying the great work already happening, and shaping the future of Pacific leatherback conservation together.

Primary Organizer: Anna Ortega
Email: anna.ortega@research.uwa.edu.au

Co-organizers: George Shillinger, Guillermo Otuño Crespo, Yonat Swimmer, Juanma Rguez-Baron, Nicolas Pilcher, Matt Dunn

Ecology and conservation biology remain rooted in Western European knowledge traditions aligned with a history of colonial appropriation of land and resources and erasure of indigenous knowledge systems. Therefore the work of conservation is often conducted in indigenous places where the relationship of all the things of the place and the people of the place is a critical element of understanding that underpins the ability to work through decolonizing and moving through conflict. A fundamental step for decoloniality is building that understanding.

Organizer: Madhusudan Katti
Email: aranyak@me.com
Amanda Robbins
Email: amandaelainerobbins@gmail.com

In the morning session we will give a gentle introduction to mathematical modeling. We will answer questions like: What is a model? What is the purpose of a model? What are some of the more common model types relevant to sea turtles? How do I choose a model? What are common mistakes to avoid? We will introduce the modeling process through relevant case studies to highlight the iterative nature of the modeling process.

Also in the morning session we will discuss statistical modeling and explore the fundamentals of experimental design, including guidelines for how to design experiments to facilitate statistical analysis.

In the afternoon session, we will explore select mathematical models more deeply (always in the context of a particular question related to sea turtle biology or conservation), review available software resources, discuss the modeling process for a limited number of case studies shared in advance by participants, and identify limitations and challenges in applying models.

Primary Organizer: Sheila Miller Edwards
Email: sheila.miller@asu.edu

Co-organizer: Michelle Mancenito

Cases of cold stun in sea turtles is increasing in number year on year in various parts of the world, including the UK. In this workshop we will hear from teams working with cold stun and review the evidence and discuss the delegates experiences of managing these challenging cases and how we can improve the welfare and the number of positive outcomes, in the context of contextualised care.

Organizer: Matthew Rendle
Email: matthewrendlervn@hotmail.co.uk

Over the past four decades, sea turtle conservation has largely centered on nesting females and hatchlings, generating valuable insights into reproductive biology, population dynamics, and threats. Yet, this emphasis has left male sea turtles—who never return to land—virtually invisible in research and management frameworks. This omission is increasingly untenable. Climate change is altering sex ratios, with warming sands skewing populations toward females. Without robust knowledge of male abundance, ecology, and reproductive behavior, conservation strategies remain built on only half the demographic equation.

Since 2019, a series of international workshops has worked to redress this imbalance. From the inaugural meeting in Charleston (ISTS 2019) to the recent session in Accra, Ghana (ISTS 2025), more than 150 scientists from over 20 countries have advanced the Global Male Sea Turtle Initiative (GMSTI). These workshops have identified critical knowledge gaps, piloted innovative methodologies and fostered an expanding professional network committed to integrating males into conservation science.

The 2026 workshop in Hawaii—the fifth in this series—builds on this momentum under the title “Where Are the Males? Shaping the Future of Sea Turtle Conservation.” It will provide a global platform to synthesize lessons learned, introduce new approaches, and strengthen collaborations. By convening researchers, managers, and students, the workshop will highlight why studying males is not optional but essential for accurate population modeling, reproductive success assessments, and climate adaptation strategies.

The workshop will also include consideration of climate adaptation strategies with a focus on artificial irrigation as a tool for lowering turtle nest temperatures. Various beach management strategies have been tested including nest shading, vegetation restoration and relocation but are challenging to implement at large-scales. Artificial irrigation offers a potential scalable and minimally invasive tool but there are concerns relating to nest inundation and salinity increase if seawater is used.  In the last decade, artificial irrigation has been implemented as a nest-cooling strategy in Costa Rica, Florida and Australia with varied experimental designs (e.g. irrigation volume, frequency, timing, water temperature) that make direct comparison difficult. This workshop component will include: (a) Information-sharing and discussion about outcomes of controlled laboratory-based and field-based irrigation experiments to test effectiveness of different volumes, frequencies and application times; consideration of the effects of freshwater and saltwater irrigation on temperature reduction and salinity, and comparison of irrigation outcomes at different rookeries, (b) Discussion about potential and observed threats to sea turtle reproduction output from artificial irrigation and (c) Launch of a global study for direct comparison of irrigation across rookeries by development of an experimental protocol to test optimal irrigation regimes on turtle nesting beaches that have a range of physical characteristics (e.g. sand particle size, temperature, wave energy and tidal range).

At a moment when conservation must move beyond partial perspectives, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to make sea turtle management more inclusive, balanced, and forward-looking.

Primmary Organizers: Marco García-Cruz
Email: marcogarcia@ufl.edu

Nicole Esteban
Email: n.esteban@swansea.ac.uk

Co-Organizers: Hector Barrios-Garrido, Nicole Esteban, Holly Stokes, Fred Baggs, Melissa Staines, Graeme Hays

In recent years, sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation centers have expanded significantly across the globe, representing an important advancement in marine conservation. Yet, many centers continue to face critical challenges, particularly during emergencies where timely access to specialized expertise remains limited. In such situations, gaps in knowledge and communication can result in inefficiencies, misallocated resources, uncertain outcomes and, most critically, avoidable suffering for the animals in care. This workshop is dedicated to professionals actively engaged in the rehabilitation and medical treatment of sea turtles. It will serve as a dynamic forum to exchange clinical expertise, share case studies and discuss standard operating procedures while fostering stronger collaboration within the international rehabilitation community. Core themes will include diagnostics, husbandry, critical care, trauma management, anesthesia and surgical interventions. By comparing approaches and exploring innovative practices, the workshop aims to generate constructive dialogue, encourage problem-solving, and support the dissemination of cutting-edge techniques. Beyond clinical practice, the session will emphasize the essential role of rehabilitation centers in global sea turtle conservation strategies. Strengthening connections among centers, we aim to outline future directions, promote the adoption of best practices and work toward harmonized protocols that ensure high standards of veterinary care, rehabilitation, and convalescence. We warmly welcome all participants to contribute actively to this collaborative platform. Together, we can advance the quality, effectiveness and impact of sea turtle rehabilitation worldwide.

Primary organizers: Daniela Freggi
Email: freggidaniela@gmail.com

Gregg Levine
Email: glevinedvm@gmail.com

Co-organizers: Mariluz Parga, Maria Chadam, Heather Harris, Deb Torraca, Douglas Johnson, Robin Schumacher

Behavioral science offers powerful tools to address conservation challenges, yet many practitioners lack training in how to apply these approaches. Team BEACH, a collaboration between Human Nature Group and the State of the World’s Sea Turtles (SWOT) program, is dedicated to filling this gap by equipping researchers, educators, and practitioners with the skills to design and implement evidence-based behavior change campaigns.

This interactive workshop provides a step-by-step framework for developing sea turtle behavior change strategies, blending theory with practice. The format includes an introduction to behavioral science principles and their application to conservation, a guided strategy design process that enables participants to translate theory into actionable plans, and an interactive component in which participants work in small groups to design tailored strategies for real case studies. This ensures immediate relevance and application for those involved, while producing a tangible product (behavior change action plans) that can benefit the broader community.

Past workshop feedback references an improved their ability to design strategies, conduct impact evaluation, and seek funding for applied social science approaches. Example testimonial: “This is my first time attending such a workshop, it has helped me shape my thoughts towards motivation driven conservation. I am really excited to be part of making a change.”

The Hawaiʻi context makes this workshop especially timely and relevant. Turtles are woven into the islands’ cultural identity and traditions, while modern pressures such as tourism and development create new conservation challenges. As one of the only places in the world where foraging, nesting, and basking sea turtles coexist alongside people, participants of ISTS44 will not only build their capacity, but also explore these concepts in a place where sea turtle conservation and human behavior intersect daily.

Primary Organizer: Ashleigh Bandimere
Email: bandimere@oceanicsociety.org

Co-organizers: Roderic Mast, Brian Hutchinson, Rachel Smith, Kelley Anderson, Lindsay Mosher

Decades of conservation work are paying off – many sea turtle populations are recovering worldwide, bringing new management considerations and challenges. How can we ensure healthy sea turtle populations into the future while recognizing their value as a fundamental resource for numerous communities and cultures that have long depended on them? How do we foster more open dialogue about sustainable use, which is often avoided or sidelined in conservation circles? In this workshop, we'll collectively explore the complex landscape of sustainable sea turtle use by discussing the social, technical, and ecological factors that may influence the viability or success of sustainable use. We'll bring together scientists, community members, and managers to share experiences—both successes and challenges—from established experiences in sustainable use of marine wildlife. Our discussions will unpack "the good, the bad, and the ugly" of real-world implementation, analyzing what works, what doesn't, and why. We'll examine technical viability alongside social realities, with particular attention to local and indigenous communities and subsistence harvest practices. We will identify the overarching socioeconomic, ecological, and governance conditions that make sustainable use viable, and where it is likely to face challenges. This overall framework can then aid evaluating conditions and management frameworks for sustainable use at national, region, and local scales. We'll also explore international frameworks and provide suggestions on how local approaches can harmonize with global conservation goals, including the Global Biodiversity Framework, IUCN Policy Guides, and UN Sustainable Development Goals. Through collaborative dialogue and shared learning, we'll develop conceptual frameworks that can facilitate evaluations and decision-making around sustainable use across diverse contexts. Sea turtle use has always existed and is here to stay. Our collective responsibility is to ensure it is sustainable, equitable, and compatible with long-term management.

Primary Organizer: Michelle Maria Early Capistran
Email: earlycapistran@gmail.com

Co-organizers: Jeffrey A. Seminoff, Nicolas Pilcher, Asuka Ishizaki

Incidental capture of sea turtles and other species of conservation priority in artisanal fisheries has negative impacts on these taxa and on fishers themselves. Thus, conservation strategies must balance reducing bycatch impacts on these threatened populations with supporting the well-being of the small-scale fishing sector. Building on discussions from previous ISTS workshops, we will continue to promote truly holistic strategies that recognize the wide range of possible activities, not just experimental trials, that could be implemented to achieve the 'win-win' goals of bycatch reduction and sustainable fisheries. In order to do so, we need first to understand the connections between these activities, and how to effectively design and implement such holistic strategies.

During ISTS43, we conducted the first version of this workshop, inviting presenters from around the world to share their experiences with fisher-first bycatch reduction projects, discuss lessons learned and how those could be adapted to other situations, and began to cultivate a 'community of practice' in holistic bycatch reduction. The goals of this workshop will be to explore real-world examples of implementation of holistic initiatives in turtle conservation projects, analyze strengths and weaknesses of holistic approaches versus top-down approaches, and identify gaps and opportunities to adapt and promote holistic approaches. This workshop will roll out a newly developed ‘best practices’ manual that provides a clear roadmap for creating holistic solutions to address bycatch, and will feature a dynamic mix of expert presentations and interactive discussion groups on successful collaborative strategies from across the globe. If the workshop is approved, we plan to focus on Oceania-specific lessons learned in developing and implementing bycatch reduction activities in real-world fisheries. Participants will engage in activities fostering exchange with like-minded professionals, exploring best practices for designing and implementing comprehensive bycatch reduction strategies that build from the bottom-up, focusing on the human components.

Primary Organizer: Bryan Wallace
Email: bryan@ecolibrium-inc.com

Co-organizers: Agnese Mancini, Joanna Alfaro-Shigueto, Tony Nalovic

Sea turtle “basking” is described as the behaviour of emerging from the water to rest on land, and has been documented in a few regions globally, including Hawaiʻi, the Galápagos Islands, and Australia. Proposed explanations for this behaviour include thermoregulation, predator avoidance, and evading courtship, yet these hypotheses remain largely untested. Nocturnal basking, in particular, is poorly understood due to limited empirical evidence and the remoteness of study sites, leaving a critical gap in our understanding of sea turtle ecology.

To address the paucity of data in this space, in 2023 the International Basking Turtle Working Group was established to foster global collaboration and research on this understudied behaviour. The group now includes over 20 researchers from North and South America and Australia, with ongoing recruitment in other regions. Since its inception, the International Basking Turtle Working Group has met quarterly to share findings, compile a global database of basking sites, and has begun a comprehensive literature review.

We propose a workshop at the International Sea Turtle Symposium to convene members of this working group, many for the first time in person, and invite new collaborators to join the working group. This session will solidify international relationships, foster new partnerships, and define priorities for future collaborative research.

The proposed workshop will be structured as a full-day interactive session featuring a combination of short presentations, group discussions, and breakout activities. It will begin with an overview of current knowledge on sea turtle basking behaviour, followed by updates from participating researchers representing different regions. This will set the stage for facilitated breakout groups focused on key workshop goals, such as refining the global basking database, identifying research priorities, and addressing data gaps. Materials from the workshop including notes, presentation slides, and the updated basking locations database will be shared with all participants and stored in a shared, open-access repository.

Primary organizer: Camryn Allen Email: camryn.allen@noaa.gov

Co-organizers: Caitlin Smith, Kimberly Finlayson

Each year, the ISTS Student Committee organizes a workshop designed for prospective and current students. Its purpose is to provide valuable insights into career guidance, job prospects and opportunities, and specialized techniques related to sea turtle research. We invite up to four experts from different sectors of sea turtle research (i.e., government, non-profit, industry and academia) to give a short 10-20 minute presentation outlining their career path, current position, and share any advice on how to succeed in their job sectors. A Q&A session will follow each presentation, time permitting. The Committee tries to include presenters based across the world with different backgrounds and skillsets so attendees can see how diverse careers in sea turtle conservation can be.

For the 2026 Workshop in Kona, we intend to split the four hour workshop into two halves. The first two hours will be reserved for expert presentations, which have yet to be determined. We will begin brainstorming and contacting potential presenters in October-November 2025. Following a short coffee break, Ian Silver-Gorges, a postdoctoral scholar at University of Central Florida, will present a practical overview on R, demonstrating key skills such as data organization, basic analyses, and data visualization. Additionally, we would like to open this demonstration beyond students and early career individuals to any symposium attendee who wishes to have a refresher in R.

Primary Organizer: Janie Reavis
Email: jreavis3@asu.edu

Co-organizers: Derek Aoki, Lindsay Curl

The NOAA Fisheries, Office of Protected Resources, Permits and Conservation Division will host a half-day workshop to present and discuss updates to ESA Section 10(a)(1)(A) scientific research permitting for those working with sea turtles in the marine environment. This workshop will have 2 parts. In the first half, we will provide an overview of the permitting process and recent streamlining efforts, including new national sea turtle standard methods for in-water research, and seek feedback on topics, such as permit requirements and researcher qualifications. This will be an opportunity to discuss any permitting questions or concerns you have. In the second half, we will demonstrate our new online permit application and reporting platform under development. This platform will replace the current application and reporting system, APPS (https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov), which will go offline in the coming months. We encourage existing permit holders to attend so that you can prepare for this transition. We will give a short presentation of why APPS is changing and how this will affect applicants and permit holders and solicit opportunities to test the new platform. This workshop will be a great opportunity for individuals to discuss the permitting process and provide feedback to Permits and Conservation Division staff.

Primary organizer: Amy Hapeman
Email: amy.hapeman@noaa.gov

Co-organizer: Erin Markin

Over the past century, a wealth of information has been published on the diversity and evolution of sea turtle epibionts. Behind these studies are likely vast collections of epibionts; however, this information is frequently under reported and thus little is known about the care and curation of sea turtle epibiont collections worldwide. For example, a significant/majority of epibiont data are not available as curated records. The purpose of this workshop is to identify collected sea turtle epibiont material and begin discussions of how to make them more accessible and useful. For this half day workshop, leading sea turtle epibiont scientists will offer short talks about their work and collected material. These talks will be followed by an opportunity for researchers to identify collections of sea turtle epibionts that are available but little known (orphan) to potential users. The workshop will offer an opportunity to work collaboratively to propose a strategy to network these collections in hope of making them accessible to the broader community.

By Building a network of such “orphan” Epibiont collections, this workshop will allow attendees to share their research, identify material they have collected, and share the current storage location of the material. It is an opportunity to discuss strategies for building a network of global material, and how best to connect/network this material to make it searchable and accessible. We will also explore best practices for storing and sharing DNA samples and sequence data. We may also discuss ways to rate material as appropriate for teaching and/or research. Additionally, we will discuss destructive sampling, and how to handle requests for material that is rare and difficult to collect.

Primary organizer: Theodora Pinou
Email: Pinout@wcsu.edu

Co-organizers: Nathan Jack Robinson, Eric Lazo-Wasem

This four-hour workshop will explore how biologging can be used most effectively to advance conservation measures for sea turtles and other marine species, while also identifying gaps in technology, management connections, and interdisciplinary integration. We invite participation from those who regularly use biologging as well as those who see its potential in conservation applications, including social scientists, educators, managers, and biologging manufacturers.

Participants will hear a series of short presentations showcasing diverse applications, such as:

- Using animal-borne cameras to guide habitat protection by documenting vessel encounters, risk exposure, or prey resources;

- Integrating tracking data with social-science approaches to reduce bycatch and collaborate with ocean users;

- Pairing accelerometers with telemetry to reveal fine-scale turtle behaviors on land (e.g., nesting and non-nesting emergences) and in water (e.g., foraging activity), improving protection and threat reduction;

- Applying acoustic and spatial telemetry for dynamic fishery management;

- Using biologging and telemetry data to inform marine protected area design;

- Combining physiological metrics such as stable isotopes and genetics with biologging to advance population-level conservation;

- Perspectives from biologging companies on linking technology with conservation outcomes and highlighting upcoming innovations.

Presentations will emphasize not only the biological insights gained, but also how biologging facilitated collaboration with managers, local actors, and industry partners. Complementary elements—such as policy frameworks, social-science contributions, and technological advances—will also be highlighted as critical for conservation success. The audience will be asked to actively engage during the presentations to codify common tools, themes, and lessons across the case studies, and connecting these to their own experiences using biologging or other tools.

Following the presentations, participants will engage in a facilitated discussion to integrate insights from the case studies. Furthermore, they will be asked to identify biologging needs that still exist, such as tagging technologies or social science approaches for engaging management or users with biologging. The workshop will conclude with the development of a shared framework for conservation action, and envisioning next steps for more effectively integrating biologging with other approaches to advance marine species conservation. The outcomes will be broadly shared as a paper.

Primary organizer: Sara Maxwell
Email: smmax@uw.edu

Co-organizers: Kristen Hart, Tiffany Dawson

Genomic resources and approaches have been rapidly increasing for sea turtles and other wildlife species, expanding opportunities for their use to address in a wide range of research in sea turtle biology and conservation. Many researchers have developed genomics-based tools and best practices in the field, lab and analyses that can benefit others, saving time, resources, and sanity. The goal of our workshop is advance these efforts, and to increase access and understanding of the potential and limitations of genomics-based tools for sea turtles. Building on prior ISTS workshops on related topics, this workshop will focus on connecting the community of researchers using these approaches and/or those interested in learning about them for possible future application in their study systems. This workshop will be a mixture of presentations, discussion panels and focus groups, and hands-on demonstrations.

Primary organizer: Lisa Komoroske
Email: lkomoroske@umass.edu

Co-organizer: Camila Mazzoni

Photogrammetry, the science of creating accurate 3D models from overlapping photographs, is rapidly becoming a powerful tool in marine conservation. While this technology has been widely adopted for coral reef monitoring, and other ocean sciences, its potential for sea turtle research, rehabilitation, and outreach has only recently begun to be explored. This workshop will introduce participants to the fundamentals of 3D photogrammetry and provide practical guidance on how to incorporate it into their sea turtle projects.

The session will begin with an overview of what photogrammetry is and why it is valuable for sea turtle work. Applications include non-invasive morphometric measurements, documenting visual injuries in rehabilitation, monitoring growth and condition of turtles under care, and creating digital records of nesting females and hatchlings on beaches. Beyond science and husbandry, the 3D models also offer unique opportunities for outreach and education by allowing the public to interact with highly realistic digital turtles that can build support for conservation programs.

Participants will learn about the equipment needed (cameras, software) and how to scale projects based on available resources and budgets, and practice walking through step-by-step on how to build their first 3D model of a sea turtle. The workshop will also cover project planning, including how to design a workflow for specific objectives, logistical considerations in the field or at facilities, and realistic cost and time estimates.

Hands-on demonstrations will show how photographs are captured, processed, and transformed into 3D models. Attendees will see example outputs ranging from precise morphometric datasets to visualizations suitable for many applications such as outreach and communication.

Organizer: Spencer Miller
Email: spencermiller@settide.com

The use of machine learning (ML) tools is growing rapidly within sea turtle research and conservation. These tools, generally defined as mathematical models that perform a specific task without explicit instructions, have the potential to transform the way we process and analyze large and expanding datasets. To maximize the potential benefits of this movement, we propose to convene a workshop at the ISTS to connect participants that are, or have the interest to start, using ML tools. In doing so, we have three goals: (1) To assess the existing needs, capabilities, perspectives, and prevailing attitudes of the sea turtle research and conservation community with regard to ML tools; (2) To establish a community of practice for ML within the field of sea turtle research and conservation; and (3) To outline key directions and opportunities for collaboration.

The workshop will consist of presentations to introduce topics and demonstrate the use of ML tools, breakout sessions to discuss potential ML uses and a discussion to scope the needs and activities of participants in a potential ML community of practice.

As ML encompasses a broad field, we will specifically focus on the topics of optics, telemetry, and remote sensing. Nevertheless, there will be flexibility for the discussion to follow the expertise and interest of the participants.

Primary organizer: Matthew Lettrich
Email: matthew.lettrich@noaa.gov

Co-organizers: Christopher Long, Nathan J. Robinson

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a growing ecological threat, particularly in coastal regions where it disrupts critical behaviors in sea turtles, shorebirds, and other nocturnal wildlife. Despite increasing awareness, gaps remain in the implementation of effective lighting strategies that align with conservation goals and regulatory frameworks.

This workshop aims to bridge the divide between lighting science, conservation practice, and policy development. Through presentations, case studies, collaborative discussions, and interactive testing, participants will learn the basics of exterior lighting, discuss the latest research, and explore practical tools for implementing wildlife lighting practices.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of:

• The physiological and behavioral effects of ALAN on coastal and migratory species.

• Current standards and technologies for wildlife lighting.

• Regulatory mechanisms and policy pathways for implementing lighting ordinances.

• Collaborative approaches to stakeholder engagement and compliance.

By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and hands-on learning, the workshop will support the development of regionally tailored lighting strategies. The outcomes will inform future conservation planning, enhance regulatory consistency, and promote the adoption of lighting practices that protect habitat while meeting human safety and property needs.

This workshop is especially timely as coastal development pressures increase, and agencies seek to align infrastructure projects with conservation goals and environmental regulations. It will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, network building, and policy innovation to responsibly and effectively light the coastal environment and beyond.

Primary organizer: Lucas Davis
Email: lucas_davis@fws.gov

Co-organizer: Kristin Halley

The Environmental Education Workshop has established itself at the International Sea Turtle Symposium as a space for educators, biologists, environmental leaders, and coastal communities to meet, exchange ideas, and co-create. Its third edition, held in Cartagena, Colombia, was the setting for the proposal to create the Sea Turtle Environmental Education Network (REATOMA). Since then, the Network has organized this space on an ongoing basis, coordinating global efforts and promoting innovative methodologies. 

Place-Based Education (PBE) is a pedagogical approach that prioritizes experiential, community-based, and contextual learning, strengthening the connection with local environments, cultures, and knowledge. In recent years, it has gained relevance in environmental education by linking conservation projects with practices that are meaningful to communities. In the case of sea turtles, whose conservation depends on their interaction with coastal populations, PBE becomes a strategic path to foster social ownership and revitalize traditions. In line with Kaiāulu, which evokes the strength of community, the workshop seeks to bring sea turtle conservation closer to different actors beyond the coastline. 

The objective of the workshop is to promote the integration of PBE into conservation projects through the exchange of experiences, strengthening the capacities of environmental educators, and promoting contextualized and participatory learning. The methodology will include the presentation of international projects that apply PBE, along with spaces for dialogue to discuss what constitutes this approach and identify practices that can be adapted to different contexts. Participants will collaboratively develop a base document as replicable material for environmental educators. In addition, interaction between organizations will be encouraged, strengthening REATOMA and its connection to the purpose of the symposium: to consolidate an active, connected, and collaborative community (Kaiāulu). 

Primary Organizer: Pablo Antonio Trujillo Susunaga
Email: ayotzintli@hotmail.com

Co-organizers: Amalia María Cano-Castaño, Diana del Pilar Ramírez Acosta, Alba López Bobadilla, Silvia Consuelo Yee Sánchez, Eneida Fajardo Escalona

Organizer: Irene Kelly & Sefa Munoz (workshops@internationalseaturtlesociety.org)

Organizer: Connie Ng (kayan.ng.connie@gmail.com), Takashi Ishihara (ishihara@umigame.org)

Organizer: Lalith Ekanayake (lalitheml@yahoo.com)

Organizer: Daniela Rojas-Cañizales (danielarojas159@gmail.com), Laura Prosdocimi (lprosdo@gmail.com) and Jimena Gutiérrez-Lince (jimena.tortuga@gmail.com)

Organizer: Andrews Agyekumhene (aagyekumhene@gmail.com)

Organizer: Aliki Panagopoulou (aliki@archelon.gr)