Chattanooga: For the first time, Jordan has made mark in the global tortoise and freshwater turtle conservation community through its participation in the world’s largest annual tortoise and freshwater symposium.
According to Jordan News Agency, Dr. Abeer Bilbeisi, founder and chairman of the Jordan Society for the Conservation of Turtles and Tortoises (JSCT), represented the Kingdom at the TSA 23rd annual symposium on tortoise and freshwater turtle biology and conservation in the convention center at Chattanooga City, Tennessee State – USA from 20-25 July. The event, organized annually by the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) headquartered in the US, brought together over 300 experts, scientists, and conservationists from 15 countries.
Bilbeisi, who also serves on the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as part of the Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group (TFTSG), delivered a well-received presentation on Jordan’s turtle conservation efforts. Her presentation reviewed the species of tortoises and freshwater turtles existing in Jordan and the most prominent challenges they face in their habitats and natural environments. She also highlighted the Brides Pond area, located in the north of Jordan, as the only natural habitat in the Kingdom for the striped-necked freshwater turtle, pointing out the serious challenges facing this vital site, most notably drought and scarcity of water resources.
Bilbeisi presented the JSCT’s action plan to rescue and save Brides Pond, based on cooperation with relevant official institutions and strengthening partnerships with the local community to protect biodiversity in the region. She addressed a message to the international community, stressing the collective responsibility to prevent the disappearance of natural habitats that support endangered biodiversity species.
Dr. Marc Dupuis-Desormeaux, TSA President and CEO, praised Jordan’s participation, acknowledging Dr. Bilbeisi’s comprehensive overview of the status of tortoises and freshwater turtle species in Jordan and the urgent condition of Brides Pond. He thanked Bilbeisi for her outstanding participation and efforts in turtle conservation, emphasizing support for her initiatives.
While in the USA, Bilbeisi participated in conservation activities at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC) in Jekyll Island, Georgia State. She joined international scientists in the release of loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings into the Atlantic Ocean, a symbolic initiative highlighting the importance of joint international conservation efforts. JSCT also contributed by adopting injured turtles under treatment and rehabilitation at the center and some sea turtle nests on the island’s beaches.
Bilbeisi’s distinctive attire, featuring her own design that highlighted Jordan’s threatened turtle species, drew attention and praise at the symposium. The event covered a range of disciplines, including science, veterinary medicine, research, and conservation programs.
She emphasized the continuation of JSCT’s efforts to protect turtle species in Jordan and active participation in international conferences to strengthen Jordan’s global position in wildlife conservation and biodiversity protection. Bilbeisi stated that the knowledge and connections gained at the symposium will directly benefit Jordan’s conservation programs.