Head of Ruaa Centre Participates in National Workshop on Combating Illegal Fishing and Highlights Turtle Protection Efforts

Dr Jaklin Mansour Al-Batani, President of the Ruaa Centre for Strategic Studies, Consulting, and Training, participated in a national awareness workshop on the role of relevant stakeholders in combating illegal fishing and reducing the risks posed by ghost fishing gear. The workshop examined ways to strengthen joint efforts to protect the marine environment and curb practices that threaten biodiversity.
During the workshop, Dr Al-Batani presented a paper entitled “The Role of the Ruaa Centre in Protecting Sea Turtles in the Gulf of Aden and Combating Their Hunting and Trafficking.” In her presentation, she outlined the Centre’s efforts to safeguard sea turtles and preserve nesting sites along several coastal areas of the Gulf of Aden.
Dr Al-Batani explained that the Ruaa Centre, established in November 2018, operates as a non-profit development organisation dedicated to contributing to community development through scientific research and the implementation of development projects, as well as training and awareness programmes across various sectors—most notably environmental protection and the promotion of public awareness on biodiversity issues.
She also reviewed the Centre’s key activities in the field of sea turtle conservation, including the implementation of environmental initiatives and projects, alongside advocacy and community awareness campaigns aimed at protecting endangered sea turtles along the coasts of the Gulf of Aden.
Dr Al-Batani further noted that the Centre is currently implementing the “Save Sea Turtles in the Gulf of Aden” project, supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Small Grants Programme (SGP). The project aims to protect sea turtle nests during the nesting season, reduce the threats they face, enhance environmental awareness within local communities, and encourage community participation in conservation efforts, including combating turtle hunting and trafficking.
In concluding her participation, Dr Al-Batani underscored the importance of strengthening coordination between government entities, civil society organisations, and fishermen in order to curb illegal fishing and address the dangers of ghost fishing gear, which pose a direct threat to marine life—particularly sea turtles along the coasts of the Gulf of Aden.