In Faqm, Ruaa Centre Mobilises Women to Protect Endangered Marine Turtles

Al-Burayqah / Centre Media

As part of the “Save the Marine Turtles in the Gulf of Aden” project—and with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Small Grants Programme (SGP)—Ruaa Centre for Strategic Studies, Consultancy, and Training held an awareness lecture on Thursday in cooperation with the Coastal Women’s Association in Faqm. The activity targeted women and girls from the local community with the aim of strengthening the role of women in protecting the marine environment.

During the event, the Head of the Centre, Dr. Jaklin Mansour Al-Battani, delivered a speech emphasizing that protecting marine turtles is a collective responsibility that begins within the family and the local community. She affirmed that women play a central role in reinforcing positive environmental behaviours both at home and in society.

Al-Battani explained that the project aims to enhance community awareness—especially among coastal communities—of the risks faced by turtles during the nesting season and the importance of reducing harmful practices that may threaten their survival. She noted that turtle conservation is not merely an environmental activity, but an investment in sustaining natural resources and preserving the ecological balance of the Gulf of Aden. She also stressed the importance of active participation by local communities in protecting the environment and safeguarding endangered marine turtles.

The lecture presented by Dr. Abdullah Al-Hindi covered the different species of marine turtles found in the Gulf of Aden, methods for protecting nesting sites, and ways in which women can contribute to spreading environmental awareness.
The event saw strong engagement from the participants, who raised questions and shared insights on how to support community efforts to preserve marine life. They emphasized the importance of women’s awareness and proposed additional field-based educational activities.