Artikel VI

1. At their first meeting, the Parties shall consider the establishment of a Secretariat with the following functions:
a) Providing assistance in convening and organizing the meetings specified in Article V;
b) Receiving from the Parties the annual reports referred to in Article XI and placing them at the disposal of the other Parties and of the Consultative Committee and the Scientific Committee;
c) Publishing and disseminating the recommendations and decisions adopted at the meetings of the Parties in accordance with rules of procedures adopted by the Parties;
d) Disseminating and promoting the exchange of information and educational materials regarding efforts undertaken by the Parties to increase public awareness of the need to protect and conserve sea turtles and their habitats, while maintaining the economic profitability of diverse artisanal, commercial, and subsistence fishing operations, as well as the sustainable use of fisheries resources. This information shall concern, inter alia: (i) environmental education and local community involvement;
(ii) the results of research related to the protection and conservation of sea turtles and their habitats and the socio-economic and environmental effects of the measures adopted pursuant to this Convention;
(i) environmental education and local community involvement;
(ii) the results of research related to the protection and conservation of sea turtles and their habitats and the socio-economic and environmental effects of the measures adopted pursuant to this Convention;
e) Seeking economic and technical resources to carry out research and to implement the measures adopted within the framework of this Convention;
2. When deciding in this regard, the Parties shall consider the possibility of appointing the Secretariat from among competent international organizations that are willing and able to perform the functions provided for in this Article. The Parties shall determine the means of financing necessary to carry out the functions of the Secretariat.