The Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles (“IAC”) is an intergovernmental treaty which provides the legal framework for countries in the American Continent to take actions in benefit of these species. The IAC entered into force in May of 2001 and currently has fifteen Contracting Parties, in addition to one country awaiting national ratification.

The Convention promotes the protection, conservation and recovery of the populations of sea turtles and those habitats on which they depend, on the basis of the best available data and taking into consideration the environmental, socioeconomic and cultural characteristics of the Parties (Article II, Text of the Convention). These actions should cover both nesting beaches and the Parties’ territorial waters.

The IAC Celebrates its 10th Anniversary (2001-2011). We invite you to read the 10th anniversary special report published by the IAC Pro Tempore Secretariat to commemorate this important date.