Biology, Ecology, & Evolution Seminar: marine turtles – NC State University

Event Report: Fall 2025 Biology, Ecology, & Evolution Seminar Series (BEESS)

Seminar Overview and Contribution to Global Goals

The Graduate Student Association of Biology (GSAB) and the Department of Applied Ecology are presenting a seminar focused on long-term marine conservation. The event aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by highlighting the critical link between scientific research, community engagement, and the preservation of biodiversity.

• Event: Fall 2025 Biology, Ecology, & Evolution Seminar Series (BEESS)
• Organizers: Graduate Student Association of Biology (GSAB) and the Department of Applied Ecology
• Objective: To present research on applied ecology and conservation, demonstrating actionable strategies that support global sustainability targets.

Featured Presentation: Marine Turtle Conservation and the SDGs

The seminar will feature a presentation by Carlos Diez of the Department of Natural Resources, Puerto Rico, titled “From scientific research to community-based management: An overview of the 33 years of marine turtle research and conservation in Puerto Rico.”

This long-term study provides a critical case study on implementing sustainable practices that directly support several key SDGs.

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water: The core focus on marine turtle conservation is fundamental to the goal of conserving and sustainably using marine resources. The research addresses the protection of an endangered species, which is a key indicator for Target 14.5 (conserve coastal and marine areas).
2. SDG 15: Life on Land: Marine turtle conservation inherently involves the protection of coastal nesting sites, directly contributing to the halt of biodiversity loss in terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The presentation’s emphasis on “community-based management” showcases a model for Target 11.4 (protect the world’s cultural and natural heritage). It demonstrates how local communities can become stewards of their natural environment, fostering sustainable development.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The 33-year initiative exemplifies a successful multi-stakeholder partnership between a government agency, the scientific community, and local citizens, which is essential for achieving all sustainable development outcomes.
5. SDG 4: Quality Education: The seminar itself acts as a vehicle for disseminating specialized knowledge, promoting education for sustainable development and global citizenship.

Logistical Details

• Attendance: In-person participation is highly encouraged to foster direct engagement and collaboration.
• Remote Access: For individuals unable to attend on campus, a Zoom link can be obtained by contacting Heather Frantz at hdfrantz@ncsu.edu.

Analysis of SDGs in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 14: Life Below Water

  The article announces a seminar titled “From scientific research to community-based management: An overview of the 33 years of marine turtle research and conservation in Puerto Rico.” This title directly addresses the conservation of marine life (turtles) and the management of marine ecosystems, which is the core focus of SDG 14.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The seminar’s topic emphasizes the transition “from scientific research to community-based management.” This highlights a multi-stakeholder approach, involving scientific institutions, government bodies (Department of Natural Resources), and local communities working together for conservation. This collaborative model is central to SDG 17, which promotes partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

• SDG 4: Quality Education

  The article is an invitation to a “Biology, Ecology, & Evolution Seminar Series” hosted by a university’s Graduate Student Association and Department of Applied Ecology. The event itself is an educational platform for disseminating scientific knowledge and research findings on conservation and sustainable development, which aligns with the goal of promoting lifelong learning opportunities and education for sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 14: Life Below Water

  • Target 14.2: “By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts…” The seminar’s focus on “conservation” and “management” of marine turtles in Puerto Rico directly relates to the protection and sustainable management of marine and coastal ecosystems where these turtles live and nest.
  • Target 14.5: “By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information.” The 33 years of “scientific research” mentioned in the seminar title provides the “best available scientific information” necessary for effective conservation actions in coastal and marine areas.
  • Target 14.a: “Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology…” The seminar is a direct mechanism for increasing and sharing scientific knowledge about marine biology and conservation.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  • Target 17.17: “Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships…” The concept of “community-based management” is a prime example of a civil society partnership, where local communities collaborate with public institutions (like the Department of Natural Resources) and academic researchers to achieve conservation goals.

• SDG 4: Quality Education

  • Target 4.7: “By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development…” The seminar series provides a platform for students, researchers, and the public to acquire specialized knowledge about ecology, conservation, and sustainable management of natural resources, directly contributing to education for sustainable development.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article, being a seminar announcement, does not provide quantitative data but implies several qualitative indicators.

• Indicators for SDG 14 (Life Below Water)

  • Implied Indicator for Target 14.2: The existence of a long-term management program. The “33 years of marine turtle research and conservation” implies a sustained effort to manage and protect a key marine species and its habitat.
  • Implied Indicator for Target 14.a: The organization of educational and scientific dissemination events. The seminar itself serves as an indicator of efforts to increase and share scientific knowledge on marine conservation.

• Indicators for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)

  • Implied Indicator for Target 17.17: The implementation of partnership-based models for conservation. The mention of “community-based management” indicates the existence of collaborative frameworks between government, academia, and civil society.

• Indicators for SDG 4 (Quality Education)

  • Implied Indicator for Target 4.7: The number of educational programs or events focused on sustainable development. The “Biology, Ecology, & Evolution Seminar Series” is a direct example and thus an indicator of educational initiatives promoting sustainability.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: cals.ncsu.edu