The biologist Carlos Diez He created history by becoming the first Puerto Rican to receive the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the International Sea Turtle Society (ISTS, in English), an award that annually distinguishes people from around the world for their contributions to the study of biology and conservation of sea turtles.
This year, Diez, of Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA), was recognized – during the 44th ISTS Symposium – for dedicating more than 30 years to the study, management and protection of sea turtles in the archipelago. The symposium brought together international scientists in Hawaii, between March 3 and 6, to highlight those who have contributed to research on these species.
The prize was awarded on the last day of the event. Diez, who did not attend the symposium, was not available for an interview with The New Day.
The scientist, who co-founded and directed since 1992 the Mona Island Hawksbill Projectwas recommended for the award by the 10 existing turtle groups in Puerto Rico.
“He has left his mark on sea turtle conservation research”highlighted Raymond Floresdirector of the organization Cheloniawhich focuses mostly on hawksbills, green turtles and leatherbacks. He commented that, between him and the directors of the other entities that Diez assists in coordinating and developing from the DRNA, They agreed to nominate him for the award.
In their letter of recommendation, they highlighted that Diez has been key in ensuring Puerto Rico’s participation in regional and global conservation efforts by strengthening the connection between agencies, communities, academic institutions and international organizations.
In addition, they expressed that, thanks to their initiative, dedication and leadership, they have managed to coordinate a network of groups that now protects nesting beaches, educates the public and provides essential data for conservation.
“For all of us, he is the magnet that unites us, keeping us connected, active, informed and united by a common purpose”said Flores, in a telephone interview with The New Dayabout Diez’s commitment to science and conservation.
Currently, the Carey Project is the longest running project in the Caribbean for the protection and increase of the population of this species, both in Mona and in the rest of Puerto Rico. The main objective of the project, initiated together with the Dutch biologist Robert van Damis to study the population and reproductive changes of hawksbills, a species in danger of extinction.
Project monitoring has shown a significant increase in the number of hawksbill nests at Mona, rising from around 200 in 1990 to more than 1,000 per season in recent years, reflecting a population recovery related to the protection and reduction of illegal trade.
According to Flores, thanks to Diez’s active role as national coordinator for the Caribbean Sea Turtle Network of the “Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network” –an organization committed to the management and recovery of reduced sea turtle populations–, the implementation of new research initiatives and standardized protocols has strengthened the quality and consistency of data.
In addition, the biologist is a member of the Sea Turtle Specialist Group, an entity of the International Union for Conservation of Nature made up of global sea turtle experts.