The virtual conference entitled “Regional Experiences on Marine Conservation: CMAR (Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Conservation Corridor) Initiative” was successfully held on 10 December 2025 at 15:30 (Türkiye time), with the cooperation of Embassy of Costa Rika in Ankara, Embassy of Panama in Ankara and Ankara University National Research Center for Maritime Law (DEHUKAM).
The conference brought together diplomatic representatives, academics, and practitioners with expertise in marine conservation, ocean governance, and regional cooperation, with a particular focus on sharing regional experiences and best practices related to the CMAR initiative in the Eastern Tropical Pacific region.
The conference commenced with opening remarks delivered by Ambassador Gustavo Alonso Campos Fallas of the Embassy of Costa Rica in Ankara, Ambassador Karina Cecilia Arias Fonseca de Giannotti of the Embassy of Panama, and Dr. Mustafa Başkara, Chief Executive Officer of the Ankara University National Center for the Sea and Maritime Law (DEHUKAM). Following the opening session, statements were presented by Ms. Tamara Gómez Marín from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica, Lic. Mr. Mario Julio from the Embassy of Panama in Ankara, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Berat Lale Akkutay of Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University.
Throughout the event, participants exchanged views on the contributions of the CMAR initiative to regional marine conservation efforts, progress achieved in the protection of transboundary marine ecosystems, and the importance of cooperation, capacity-building, and experience-sharing among relevant stakeholders. The conference concluded with an overall assessment of regional approaches to marine conservation.
