保育亚洲龟国际研讨会

ICAT2026 Successfully Concluded

The 1st International Conference on Integrated Conservation of Asian Turtles (ICAT2026) has successfully come to a close. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the 490 participants from 19 countries and regions, along with our local attendees, for making this landmark event a resounding success.

Special thanks go to our officiating guests. as well as our keynote speakers. We also recognize the vital support of our sponsors and partners, and the student ambassadors from 25 local secondary schools.

Please find a selection of event highlights below. Participants who wish to request additional photos are welcome to contact the ICAT team [email protected].

The 1st International Conference on Integrated Conservation of Asian Turtles (ICAT2026)

27-30 MARCH 2026 | HONG KONG, CHINA

Turtles globally, and especially in Asia, are facing a conservation crisis. The inaugural International Conference on Integrated Conservation of Asian Turtles (ICAT) is being organised to address this urgent Asian turtle crisis by uniting global experts, institutions, and early-career conservationists to foster cross-sector collaboration.

With a focus on integrating science, technology, and practice, ICAT aims to advance conservation strategies through keynote lectures, symposia, research presentations, and field visits. A central theme is bridging gaps between disciplines—scientists, zookeepers, veterinarians, policymakers, and educators—to tackle challenges like poaching, disease transmission, and genetic compatibility in reintroduction programmes.

Special attention is given to Hong Kong, which is a global hub for the wildlife trade, where wild populations of endangered turtle species still exist but face ongoing threats, and promising captive breeding efforts offer hope. The conference also emphasises capacity building, mentorship, and the use of emerging tracking technologies.

ICAT aspires to catalyse unified, effective action to safeguard Asia’s imperilled turtles and promote sustainable conservation solutions across the region.

Objectives

Facilitate the Exchange of Scientific Research and Strategies: To provide a platform for conservation experts to share and discuss the latest scientific research and conservation strategies.
Assess Reintroduction Programmes: To critically evaluate the effectiveness of turtle reintroduction programmes and promote the use of technology to enhance these efforts.
Encourage Collaboration: To foster partnerships among different stakeholders, including academics, NGOs, government bodies, and educators.
Inter-Institutional Collaboration: To leverage the collective expertise and resources of partnering institutions to advance conservation practices.

Significance and Impact

Three of the freshwater turtle species that inhabit the wilds of Hong Kong are endangered but continue to face severe threats from poaching and illegal trade. Local institutions (e.g., Lingnan University, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, and Ocean Park Hong Kong) have initiated successful captive breeding programmes, though reintroduction are hindered by concerns over disease, poaching, and genetic compatibility.

The International Conference on Integrated Conservation of Asian Turtles (ICAT) aims to find solutions to these challenges by bringing together global experts and local stakeholders for a collaborative exchange of science, policy, and practice.

Emphasising cross-sector partnerships and capacity building, ICAT seeks to strengthen regional conservation efforts—including reintroduction strategies, technological innovations, and public education—to protect Asia’s most endangered turtles.