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	Playa Grande Nesting Site

San Jose, Costa Rica –
The 24th Annual Symposium on
Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation

February 2004

The Symposium was the largest gathering in history dedicated to the biology and conservation of sea turtles. The week-long affair included the presentation of scientific papers, social activities, and workshops. A meeting of the Leatherback Task Force was also held, as well as post-Symposium event at the Baulas de Guanacaste National Park – the 2nd annual Community Sea Turtle Festival.

The theme for this year's symposium was "sea turtle life-scapes", focusing attention on the fact that entire habitats are under threat and the "whole-ism" of nature. Rod Mast, President of the International Sea Turtle Society, stated in his opening address that greater cooperation and communication within the sea turtle community is needed to create a synergy to effect change.
	At the Symposium banquet, Rotney Piedra of MINAE and Elizabeth Vélex of the Leatherback Trust receive the Conservation International Neotropical Conservation Award
	Guillermo "Billy" Cruz (center) is awarded the Archie Carr Lifetime Achievement Award. Congratulating him are David Godfrey, Executive Director of the Caribbean Conservation Corporation (left), and Mario Boza, founder of Costa Rica's National Park system.
	It was announced at the Symposium that coffee grower, Coope Tarrazú, has joined with the Costa Rican Government and the International Turtle Society in supporting the endangered Leatherback Turtle. "Baulas Blend" coffee was provided to symposium attendees by Coope Tarrazú, and is now available for sale. A portion of all sales will go to help the leatherback. To order, go to: www.cafetarrazu.com
	Local school children participate in the Community Sea Turtle Festival at Las Baulas National Park