Head of Ruaa Centre Discusses with the Director of Al-Mansoura District Measures to Curb Restaurants Trading in Sea Turtle Meat

Aden – Ruaa Centre Media

Dr. Jaklin Mansoor Al-Batani, Head of Ruaa Centre for Strategic Studies, Consultancy, and Training, met today (Tuesday) with Mr. Ahmed Al-Daoudi, Director General of Al-Mansoura District, in the presence of Mr. Niazi Mustafa, Director of the Environmental Protection Authority / Aden. The meeting came as part of advocacy and mobilization efforts within the “Save the Sea Turtles in the Gulf of Aden” project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Small Grants Programme (SGP), and implemented by Ruaa Centre in cooperation with the Environmental Protection Authority.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed several issues related to the protection of sea turtles—most notably the sale of sea turtle meat in some restaurants—and explored ways to coordinate with relevant authorities to curb these illegal practices that violate national laws and international biodiversity protection agreements.

Dr. Al-Batani provided an overview of the campaign’s objectives and its awareness and field activities, including monitoring violations against sea turtles, organizing beach cleanup campaigns, and conducting community awareness programs in coastal areas.

For his part, Director General Al-Daoudi praised Ruaa Centre’s efforts in defending the environment and marine life, affirming the local authority’s support for all initiatives aimed at protecting the Gulf of Aden’s ecosystem. He also expressed his readiness to take legal action against non-compliant restaurants.