2021 is the year in which the MOU marks its twentieth anniversary – a reason to celebrate, reflect and make a special effort to support marine turtle conservation in the IOSEA region!

The Memorandum of Understanding came into effect on 1 September 2001, following a series of intergovernmental negotiation sessions. Starting with eight Signatory States, over the years membership grew to 35 countries, who all make efforts to implement the MOU's Conservation and Management Plan (CMP) individually and collectively. The CMP, which contains 24 programmes and many specific activities, focuses on reducing threats, conserving critical habitat, exchanging scientific data, increasing public awareness and participation, promoting regional cooperation, and seeking resources for implementation.