top of page
Sea Turtle
TLP Logo.png

TAKE ACTION THIS

Color Stacked.png

This Giving Tuesday, we ask: Will you join us in protecting the leatherback sea turtle and preserving the health of our oceans?

Together, we can make a tangible impact and safeguard the future of marine life for generations to come. Your support today will help us take meaningful action to protect these endangered creatures and their vital habitats.

Now, more than ever, we recognize the profound impact humanity has on the planet’s ecosystems and the biodiversity that sustains life on Earth. As we face an environmental crisis, we all share the responsibility to act—and there is no time to waste.

Among the most urgent concerns is the future of the leatherback sea turtle. Out of the seven subpopulations of leatherbacks, four are critically endangered, one is endangered, and two are data deficient. These magnificent creatures, who have roamed the oceans for millions of years, now face unprecedented threats that endanger their survival.

The Leatherback Project was founded to address these challenges, with a focused commitment to the conservation of leatherbacks and the health of our oceans. Through research, advocacy, and community-driven solutions, we work tirelessly to ensure a future where these ancient reptiles continue to thrive.

Discover how you can become involved in our latest research projects and make a difference today!

Donate Button.png

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?

The Leatherback Project Logo Horizontal_
About Us
IMG_2855.jpg

Extinction is Forever

The Leatherback Project is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the leatherback sea turtle and other threatened and endangered marine species through research, education, and advocacy initiatives primarily aimed at mitigating fisheries bycatch, designating and implementing marine protected areas, and advocating for the intrinsic Rights of Nature. 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?
Callie-1-2_edited.jpg

Callie Veelenturf

Founder / Executive Director

Manitas_edited.jpg

Luis Paladines

Projects Coordinator

Ecuador

Amanda Rocafuerte Playa_edited_edited_ed

Amanda Rocafuerte

Country Director

Ecuador

023A6292-2_edited.jpg

Aida (Aidita) Magaña

Community Leader

Pearl Islands Archipelago Mission Blue Hope Spot Champion

Panama

Nikkicita_edited_edited_edited.jpg

Nikki Riddy

Director of Impact Media 

TLP_2023_Feb11_Saboga_Canon_Stringout.00_27_44_22.Still001.jpg

Ariel Cajar

Boat Captain / Ecotourism Guide

Panama

Wigui_edited.jpg

Wiguidili Crespo

Undergraduate Thesis Student

Panama

Liz_edited.jpg

Lineylis (Liz) Rios

Undergraduate Thesis Student

Panama

023A4612_edited.jpg

Ibdiel Guitierrez

Youth Leader

Panama

Marino Abrego

Research Associate

Liaison - Ministry of

the Environment

Panama

ARAP logo.png

Government Liaisons & Collaborators

Panama

Flag_of_Panama.svg.png
Marino Pic.jpeg
Nelly UN 2_edited_edited_edited.jpg

Captain Genoveva Forero

logo-y-bandera-01-e1603970178160_edited.

Official Security Liaison

National Air and Navy Service

Panama

SENAN Logo (1)_edited_edited.png
Ramy.jpg

Ramiselia Ramirez

Research Associate

Liaison - Authority of

Aquatic Resources (ARAP)

Panama

Principal International Collaborators

Karla aww_edited.jpg

Karla Barrientos Muñoz

Founder & Director

Fundación Tortugas del Mar

Colombia

logo-tortugas-mar_edited.png
Callie Broaddus Headshot.png

Callie Broaddus

Founder & Director

Reserva

International

WhatsApp Image 2023-07-14 at 16_edited.j

Jeffrey LeBlanc

Founder & President

Mare Nostrum Foundation

Ecuador

MARE NOSTRUM NUEVO LOGO-04 (1) (2).png

Science Advisors

Kate mansfield_edited.jpg

Dr. Kate Mansfield

Davis-Shine Endowed Professor of Conservation Biology

University of Central Florida

USA

kd3_edited_edited_edited_edited_edited_e

Dr. Kara Dodge

Research Scientist 

Anderson Cabot Center 

New England Aquarium

International

Bryan wallace_edited_edited.jpg

Dr. Bryan Wallace

Founder

Ecolibrium

International

qt=q_95_edited.png
023A8574.jpg
Gallery
Conservation

LATEST NEWS

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

First Page Saboga Press Release.png
023A5498.jpg
6.png
3.png
1.png
7.png
2.png
4.png
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
Panama Mining RoN 287.png
Screenshot 2023-11-30 141826.png
Screenshot 2023-11-30 141839.png
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

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
501(c)3 Registered Address:
87 Union Street
Norfolk, MA 02056, USA
Subscribe to our mailing list

Thanks for subscribing!

Contact Us
bottom of page