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Sea Turtle
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THE TIME FOR ACTION IS NOW

More than any other time in history, society understands the ways in which we are altering the planet's natural systems and the composition of biodiversity of life on earth. We have a responsibility to act. Out of the 7 subpopulations of the leatherback sea turtle, 4 are critically endangered, 1 is endangered and 2 are data deficient. The Leatherback Project exists to combat the environmental crisis with a specific focus on leatherback conservation and ocean health

Will you join us in protecting this ancient reptile?

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About Us
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Extinction is FOREVER

The Leatherback Project is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the massive leatherback sea turtle throughout its global range through research, education and advocacy initiatives aimed at mitigating fisheries bycatch, reducing plastic pollution and combating climate change. As sea turtles are flagship species, by studying them and the threats facing their survival, we can open the doors to conversations about the biggest threats facing our oceans today.

Research

We are collaborating with local partners internationally to conduct high-impact research projects

Conservation

Our activities are focused in areas that have the greatest impact for conservation

advocacy

Our work is informing management strategies

outreach

We collaborate with local communities for mutual growth and development in the name of ocean conservation

Services

Jonah Reenders

Sea Turtle

Our Mission

Restored balance, decreased anthropogenic pressures on overexploited resources and a sustainable future for the world’s ocean ecosystems and coastal habitats, allowing for the recovery of endangered wildlife, like the leatherback sea turtle.

Meet the Team

Want to join?
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Callie Veelenturf

Founder / Executive Director

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Luis Paladines

Projects Coordinator

Ecuador

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Amanda Rocafuerte

Country Director

Ecuador

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Aida (Aidita) Magaña

Community Leader

Pearl Islands Archipelago Mission Blue Hope Spot Champion

Panama

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Nikki Riddy

Director of Impact Media 

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Ariel Cajar

Boat Captain / Ecotourism Guide

Panama

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Wiguidili Crespo

Undergraduate Thesis Student

Panama

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Lineylis (Liz) Rios

Undergraduate Thesis Student

Panama

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Ibdiel Guitierrez

Youth Leader

Panama

Marino Abrego

Research Associate

Liaison - Ministry of

the Environment

Panama

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Government Liaisons & Collaborators

Panama

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Captain Genoveva Forero

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Official Security Liaison

National Air and Navy Service

Panama

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Ramiselia Ramirez

Research Associate

Liaison - Authority of

Aquatic Resources (ARAP)

Panama

Principal International Collaborators

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Karla Barrientos Muñoz

Founder & Director

Fundación Tortugas del Mar

Colombia

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Callie Broaddus

Founder & Director

Reserva

International

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Jeffrey LeBlanc

Founder & President

Mare Nostrum Foundation

Ecuador

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Science Advisors

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Dr. Kate Mansfield

Davis-Shine Endowed Professor of Conservation Biology

University of Central Florida

USA

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Dr. Kara Dodge

Research Scientist 

Anderson Cabot Center 

New England Aquarium

International

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Dr. Bryan Wallace

Founder

Ecolibrium

International

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Gallery
Conservation

LATEST NEWS

Panama Adopts the Saboga National Wildlife Refuge,
Protecting Critical Sea Turtle Habitat and Upholding the
Rights of Nature 

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Rights of Nature & The Leatherback Project on CBS News!
^Watch the CBS News Saturday Morning Feature on the Rights of Nature!^

Panama's Supreme Court Upholds Rights of Nature, Declares Country's Largest Copper Mine Unconstitutional

Credit: Arnulfo Franco
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Credit: Arnulfo Franco

Read the Press Release HERE

Restoring our Relationship with Keystone Species (Earth Law Center)
02:33:37

Restoring our Relationship with Keystone Species (Earth Law Center)

How we honor Nature determines how we protect keystone species that shape entire ecosystems. Restoring our relationship with biodiversity requires a shift from resource extraction to recognizing responsibilities and rights This event will emphasize the urgency for protecting keystone species and their vital roles in ecosystems and in climate mitigation and adaptation. Experts in conservation science, government and policy will amplify solutions to center a relationship of care and responsibilities for keystone species into our legal, governance and economic systems, by reflecting on the ways in which we value and relate to biodiversity. Recognizing the rights of keystone species and adopting Rights of Mother Earth in the framework text and rare opportunities for solutions to many of the planetary threats we face, and for humanity and biodiversity to mutually flourish. Speakers Oscar Soria: Oscar Soria is the Campaign Director for Avaaz, a unique platform that pursues large-scale social change. Oscar is a political activist, social journalist, and environmental and human rights campaigner and previously served as the Director of Media at World Wildlife Fund. Julia Jackson: Julia is the Founder of Grounded and Co-founder of Keystone Species Alliance. After experiencing profound loss due to the degradation of the environment, Julia has committed her life to identifying and amplifying necessary solutions and building a community that can mitigate the worst impacts of the climate crisis. Vera Urtaza: Vera holds an International Relations degree from National Autonomous University of Mexico, and has worked for the World Council of Peoples for the UN since 2017. A Co-founder of Keystone Species Alliance, she is also a specialist in climate change, peace, security, human rights, sustainable development, and climate change negotiations. Callie Veelenturf: Callie is a marine conservation biologist, National Geographic Explorer, and founder of The Leatherback Project. She holds a B.S. in marine biology, an M.S. in biology, and is a PhD candidate in marine biology. Callie proposed the Rights of Nature law in Panama that passed this year. Óscar Rebora: Óscar is the Undersecretary of Ecology and Environment of the State of Quintana Roo, Mexico, Sea Shepherd’s Representative in Cancun and Puerto Morelos, the Former Chief of Staff of the Commission of Natural Resources and Climate Change of the Mexican Senate and an environmental activist. Rachel Bustamante: Rachel is a Conservation Science & Policy Analyst at Earth Law Center. Her research and advocacy focus is on the intersection of biodiversity conservation, Ocean policy, and global environmental governance. She promotes justice and holistic solutions including the Rights of Nature and is a GYBN member.
WORLD OCEANS WEEK 2022
02:03:41

CONTACT US

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501(c)3 Registered Address:
87 Union Street
Norfolk, MA 02056, USA
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