Two long years have passed during which our lives have been affected by the ravages of the COVID 19 pandemic. Many of us have lost loved ones, lost jobs and have been confined to courageously enduring lockdowns and restrictions whose consequences have yet to be assessed for their impact on human well-being. However, as we say in Colombia: “when it gets darker it is because dawn is coming” and we are already seeing the light at the end of the tunnel; resuming the "normal" course of our lives with precautions and a large dose of resilience. Meetings with friends and family, and field trips to do our work researching and conserving sea turtles, have been picking up rhythm in post-pandemic times. Hope has been flourishing little by little in our hearts as we return to face the daily challenges of life, and life flourishes again in Colombia embodied by the magical realism that defines this tropical country.

Given this context, there is no better way of celebrating life and remembering those who have passed on, than by meeting in Cartagena in March 2023 for the 41st International Sea Turtle Symposium. Cartagena, the walled city facing the Caribbean, will open its doors and welcome you with joy, and we will meet with friends, colleagues, and the whole turtle community as what we are: a great family with a big passion about gaining knowledge, protecting and valuing sea turtles, and the communities that interact with turtles around the world.

So, I invite you to save the dates, from March 18 to 24, 2023 to meet and bridge communities and technology for the conservation of sea turtles. Please visit https://www.ists41cartagena.org/ , the 41st International Sea Turtle Symposium, where you will find all the information regarding workshops and regional meetings, event registration, abstract submission, and more. This event will undoubtedly be an unforgettable gathering and I am extremely excited to partake with all of you.

Dr Diego Amorocho

ISTS President 2022

Please keep in mind the following key dates:

2022

30 September - Workshop Proposals Submission Closes

01 October - Registration + Abstract Submission Opens

06 November - Early Bird Registration Closes

06 November - Abstract Submission Closes

2023

22 January - Abstract Outcomes

18 March - 41 International Sea Turtle Symposium Starts