Sea Turtles in Namibia: Research & Conservation Namibia Nature Foundation

This illustrated public lecture explores the first systematic study of sea turtles at the Kunene River mouth, where researchers documented over 2,100 turtle sightings, confirmed the first recorded mating events, and launched Namibia's first-ever satellite tracking of sea turtles. Learn why this unique stretch of coastline could be far more important for sea turtle conservation than previously thought, and hear about plans for future research along the entire Namibian coast.

Event details:

Date: Tuesday, 28 July 2026

Time: 19:00

Location: Namibia Scientific Society, Windhoek

This event will also be streamed via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/8023841980

Biography of Speaker:

Joachim Naulaerts is a marine biologist and Technical Advisor for Coastal and Marine Research at the Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF), where he leads the green turtle research component of the Blue Benguela Partnership, generating essential baseline data to support conservation planning and MPA expansion along the Namibian coast. He also coordinates the NIMPA+ research component and leads the IKI-CREAF wetlands project along the East Atlantic Flyway. With over a decade of experience in marine science and conservation across Saint Helena, Malaysia, and Namibia, Joachim has managed large-scale monitoring programmes, trained local scientists and communities, and contributed to marine policy and management on an international level. He holds an MSc in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation from the University of Ghent and GMIT Ireland.