The Third International Tropical Marine Ecosystems Symposium (ITMEMS3) has convened in Cozumel, Mexico.

The International Tropical Marine Ecosystems Symposium (ITMEMS) is the core activity of the International Coral Reef Initiative, a partnership among governments, international organizations and NGOs. Over 300 participants from 45 countries gathered from 16-20 October 2006 to: share experiences and lessons learned; identify effective local solutions to common management problems; inform future action to manage tropical marine ecosystems; evaluate progress made; and strengthen and expand the network of tropical marine managers. During ITMEMS3, thirteen themes were discussed and teams representing a wide range of locations, disciplines and institutions engaged in participatory workshops on key issues and questions. In addition, the Local Government Leaders Forum was held, hosted by Mayor Gustavo Ortega of Cozumel, bringing together local and traditional leaders from the Philippines, the Cook Islands, Australia, the US and Tanzania to discuss the importance of engaging effective local political, community and indigenous leadership to achieve sustainable management and conservation of tropical marine and coastal ecosystems. The outcomes of ITMEMS3 are: an Action Statement, which includes the recommendations emanating from the Local Government Leaders Forum and the Regional Caucus Reports; the Local Government Leaders Statement; and recommendations emerging from the thirteen thematic workshops. Recommendations address the need to build resilience into coral reef management, enforce relevant laws, and support sustainable fisheries management, among others (IISD sources).
Link to further information
ITMEMS website