In seeking to define and promote a regional capability to implement science-based sea turtle management and conservation programs, WIDECAST is committed to:
• Encouraging the active participation of existing institutions, programs and expertise in determining sea turtle conservation priorities, planning and implementation
• Strengthening the regulatory framework by assisting governments in the formulation of appropriate legislation, policies, and standards for the management of sea turtles at local, national and international levels
• Encouraging integrated resource management by assisting governments in the establishment of mechanisms that ensure a coordinated and collaborative approach to sea turtle research and conservation
• Facilitating institutional strengthening by developing and promoting the basic capabilities and skills required to identify, analyze and resolve issues relevant to the region’s marine and coastal resources
• Enabling science-based conservation and management by training scientists, managers and policy-makers through academic and field courses, thematic workshops, and peer-mentoring and exchange programs
• Supporting the standardization of approaches and methodologies by developing and disseminating standardized procedures and criteria for sea turtle population assessment, monitoring, and recovery
• Enhancing public awareness through outreach, and by encouraging the involvement of all sectors of society in the management and conservation of sea turtles
• Implementing (and disseminating the results of) basic and applied research that supports environmental policy needs and decision making
• Promoting the exchange of information among the region’s environmental agencies and organizations, thus strengthening information management capabilities and increasing communication among stakeholders
• Promoting the joint management of transboundary resources by establishing, maintaining and/or strengthening mechanisms for communication, data-sharing, and collaboration
• Fundraising to support research, management and conservation actions at local and regional scales