The first meeting of partners of our new EU project „Collective Actions for Improving the Conservation Status of the EU Sea Turtle Populations – LIFE EUROTURTLES“ has been held in the Croatian Natural History Museum in Zagreb from 17-19. October 2016. Representatives of Croatian Natural History Museum, Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation, Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece – Archelon, Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Cyprus, Nature Trust Malta, University of Cyprus, Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin” – Universita degli studi di Roma La Sapienza, University of Primorska – Koper and WWF Italia during the meeting have agreed on starting of the first activities of the project.

The main aim of this meeting was to establish understanding between partners, determine goals and main project values, evaluate possible problems during project implementation and prepare strategic implementation plan for activities.

During the meeting, leaders of work packages presented planned activities and expected results, duties and obligations of individual partners and deadlines for their results.

Main aim of the EU project LIFE EUROTURTLES is to, for the first time, unite and coordinate sea turtles conservation activities in most important countries and areas for conservation of loggerhead and green turtles in European Union.

Sea turtles are strictly protected species in Croatia and EU. Within the EU, the area of northern Adriatic, particularly eastern part along the coast of Istria and Kvarner, is one of the most important area for feeding and wintering of loggerhead turtles. But, sea turtles that are growing up near our shores travel through the Mediterranean, particularly during the nesting time when they return to nesting beaches in Greece, Cyprus and Turkey. Therefore, this joint action on all areas that present their home range is crucial for their protection.

This 5.1 milion Euro project will be co-funded with 75% by funds of EU LIFE program. Project will have duration of five years and is coordinated by Croatian Natural History Museum.