Storytelling

We promote marine conservation through science-driven storytelling on social media and through short films, with a particular focus on leatherback sea turtles.

Behind Our Storytelling

Strengthened by science. Showcased through storytelling. Catalyzed by community action.

Long before digital tools, people used stories to pass on knowledge, carry legends across generations, and understand their relationship with the world. We carry on that tradition, using storytelling to communicate science, elevate frontline voices, and give Nature a voice.

Educating to Empower

We use storytelling as a tool for science communication, translating complex ecological data and conservation science into accessible and accurate narratives. Through writing, videos, multimedia, and educational content, such as Rights of Nature workshop videos and satellite tagging tutorials for scientists and collaborators, we equip audiences with the knowledge they need to understand threats, explore viable solutions, and support effective conservation.

Inspiring Empathy and Action

Our storytelling leans into personal stories, focusing on the scientists, local communities, and advocates on the frontlines. By highlighting their experiences, challenges, and passions, we create relatable narratives that help audiences connect with the people behind conservation. People often connect more deeply through shared experiences, and by telling these stories, we can build empathy and inspire a stronger commitment to protecting species and their habitats.

Amplifying Nature's Voice

Beyond human perspectives, we craft narratives that position Nature as an active participant in its own story. By emphasizing the inherent value and rights of ecosystems and species, our storytelling helps translate the signals Nature is already sending into narratives society can hear and respond to. This approach invites audiences to recognize Nature not as an object to exploit, but as a stakeholder worthy of respect, protection, and legal recognition.

Latest
News

Explore our latest news for real-time updates from the field, scientific breakthroughs, conservation milestones, and inspiring stories from communities protecting leatherback sea turtles.

Stay informed and connected to the global efforts shaping a healthier ocean.

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Monthly
Newsletters

The Leatherback Chronicles, our monthly newsletter, offers a curated roundup of stories, project updates, research highlights, team member spotlights, and ways to get involved that are delivered straight to your inbox.

Stay connected to the movement to protect leatherback sea turtles and our shared ocean.

Explore Updates

Our team is back from the Science Congress and #UNOC3 in Nice, France with tired eyes, full hearts, new collaborators, and a renewed sense of urgency to protect our ocean and the earth communities who depend on it.

We represented @leatherbackproject and @rightsfornature across multiple stages, including sharing space with youth advocates at the @peace.boat event, and contributing to an EIA session on the Rights of Nature led by Ocean Vision Legal, building bridges between conservation, policy, and legal recognition of Earth’s living systems.

@callieveelenturf also emceed a @undp panel on scaling 30x30 marine protected area recognition and implementation through collaboration, sharing the mic with teammate @luisao_del_mar, our @iluminarelmar project coordinator from Ecuador, who spoke as a panelist at his first-ever UN conference. He brought critical perspective from the Eastern Tropical Pacific, where we’re working with local fishers to reduce sea turtle bycatch using LED light technology.

Together, Luis and Callie joined @insidenatgeo Explorers from around the world to exchange ideas and deepen collaborations. Callie also participated in her first @mission_blue Hope Spot gathering, a reminder of the powerful coalitions working to protect the ocean’s most biodiverse places.

Beyond our team moments, the conference marked important progress on global ocean goals:
🌊19 additional countries ratified the High Seas Treaty (bringing us to 50 of the 60 needed for entry into force)
🥤95 nations backed a binding global plastics treaty
🐙a global moratorium on deep-sea mining gained 37 supporting countries
🐋French Polynesia announced the world’s largest MPA, protecting nearly 5 million km².

These milestones matter.

But what moved us most was the surge of youth leadership. From panelists to organizers, young people were everywhere asking bold questions, driving conversations, and shaping the future of ocean governance. With the support of our partner @reservaylt we felt the strength of a global youth movement pushing for real change. The future isn’t waiting- it’s already here in the hands of determined, capable young leaders!

What makes us happy? Sea turtles! 🐢
Happy World Sea Turtle Day! 💙

You know what also makes us happy? That sea turtles have legal rights in Panama!
Under Law 371, Panama became the first country in the world to recognize sea turtles as rights-bearing beings, with “the right to live and have free passage in a healthy environment, free of pollution and other anthropocentric impacts that cause physical damage and damage to their health, such as climate change, contamination, incidental capture, coastal development, and unregulated tourism.”

From the hatchlings’ first crawl to the ocean to the return of adult leatherbacks after nesting, these moments remind us why we protect sea turtles and their ecosystems.

But while we monitor nesting beaches through the night, the greatest threats lie far beyond the shore, hidden in the vast ocean where fishing bycatch and pollution threaten their survival.

Today and every day, we stand alongside the communities, scientists, and partners actively working to protect sea turtles and restore ocean resilience while moving toward a future where humans live in harmony with Nature.

#worldseaturtleday #leatherbackseaturtle #rightsofnature #panama #marineconservation #turtlelove #ocean #protectnature #protectwildlife #seaturtle #fornature #conservation

From sea to sky, Happy Mother’s Day!

Del mar al cielo, feliz Día de la Madre a todas!

📸: @nikkirddy

#HappyMothersDay#MothersDay2025#WildlifeMoms#MotherEarth#NatureLovers#LoveTheWild#FelizDíaDeLaMadre#DíaDeLaMadre2025#MadresSalvajes#MadreTierra#AmamosLaTierra

Join us in wishing The Leatherback Project's founder, @callieveelenturf, a happy birthday!

Combining science and advocacy, Callie works tirelessly to protect marine species and ecosystems, support coastal communities, and advocate for the Rights of Nature. So it's only fitting her special day also coincides with Jane Goodall’s Birthday and #WorldAquaticAnimalDay!

In years past, Callie celebrated while surrounded and supported by the @yauggalu and @iluminarelmar teams, doing what they do best– safeguarding marine species. Though we may not be ringing in her birthday on sandy beaches this year, the feeling of gratefulness remains for the continued opportunity to protect Nature alongside so many dedicated changemakers. One of the truly special aspects of conservation is the strong community that forms through our work, a support system that makes every moment even more meaningful and memorable.

So, what is Callie's wish on her special day? "I imagine a world where the needs of Nature, natural ecosystems, species, and cycles are respected and considered in all levels of decision making. Where creative thinking is wielded by all, to push the boundaries of conventional planetary protection measures, both locally, within our communities, and globally, across borders. My hope is that, together, we don’t lose hope, but instead foster it every day through collective efforts to bring about global recognition and respect of the intrinsic Rights of Nature," she says.

April is Earth Month, with the theme this year being OUR POWER, OUR PLANET. Humans call this planet home, but we do not own the Earth. As guests here, we live as part of the natural ecosystems that sustain us. Through our actions, we have the power to bring about this vision of rights-based protections #ForNature.

Today and everyday, you can join us in celebrating Callie and the species she's dedicated her life to protecting. By seeking out creative ways to better protect Nature, you have the power to make a difference for our planet.

To stand up #ForNature and support The Leatherback Project's efforts directly, visit the link in our bio to donate!

📸 by @thiessenphoto @calliebroaddus @nikkiriddy

Though thousands of miles away, melting ice causes sea levels in the whole ocean to rise. Increased water levels erode beaches, shrinking invaluable sea turtle nesting sites, and adding further stress onto this region's already at-risk species.

The rate at which these nesting habitats are eroding makes it extremely difficult for coastlines and turtle populations to adapt. Nests are situated closer to the overwashing of encroaching tides, and their hatching success decreases further due to suffocation of the embryos or erosion of the nest altogether.

In Armila, Guna Yala, we've seen this impact firsthand.

Through the @yauggalu field team’s collaboration with the community, we are working to counteract these threats by:
✅ Relocating at-risk nests to more viable areas
✅ Removing harmful debris from the beaches
✅ Documenting threats to leatherbacks in Armila
✅ Studying local environmental effects on hatching success
✅Training community members in scientific conservation methods for leatherback turtles.

By studying, monitoring, and conserving leatherback sea turtles and their habitats, we are working to meaningfully contribute to the conservation of the West Atlantic subpopulation of the leatherback turtle.

Photos by @nikkiriddy

@keystonespeciesaliance @juliajackson @wiiguii19 @liz_13rios @rr_pinina @igua.crespo.14 @nacho.crespo.376 @nelly.forero03 @senanpanama @senafrontpanama @meabrego0303 @maimbientepma @karlag_barrientosmunoz @fundaciontortugasdelmar @yauggalu

#turtle #seaturtle #ocean #nature #science #stem #beach #beacherosion

Water connects us all.

From the glaciers to the sea, water flows through every part of life on Earth. As glaciers melt, rising sea levels reshape coastlines, disrupt marine ecosystems, and threaten species that depend on coastal habitats to nest, like all seven sea turtle species.

Glaciers store 70% of Earth’s freshwater, but they are disappearing fast. As they melt, the excess water flows into the ocean, causing sea levels to rise at an accelerating rate, threatening coastal communities, reshaping ecosystems, and putting species at risk.

Rising seas can swallow nesting beaches. Slow rises in sea level allows for beach zonification and areas of low lying vegetation and dry sand to be preserved, but with today’s sea level rising rates, nesting habitats are eroding away. Warming waters disrupt ocean currents and food webs. The ripple effects of melting ice reach far beyond the poles, touching every part of our blue planet.

Protecting water in all its forms means protecting the ocean, marine wildlife, and our shared future. #WorldWaterDay

Protected by science, strengthened through storytelling, and upheld by community action.

At The Leatherback Project, storytelling helps our conservation efforts ripple far beyond where they begin. It bridges the gap between scientific research, local and indigenous wisdom-- transforming knowledge into power.

Stories show us what’s possible, and can transform isolated efforts into widespread inspiration. On today’s #WorldStorytellingDay, we celebrate how stories spark positive change across the globe.

Storytellers give Nature a voice, and invite us to connect to our world in previously unimaginable ways. Stories connect people across the world to places, species, and challenges they may have never witnessed firsthand. They turn information into emotion, transforming distant issues into personal calls to action. Thanks to publications like Smithsonian Magazine, CBS News, Washington Post, and PBS Nature, who have spotlighted our efforts, The Leatherback Project and our partners’ work has reached people across the globe. Through these spotlights, we’ve been given the profound opportunity to show others that they too can make a difference for both Nature and their communities.

Visit our Instagram story and take a look back at the stories sparked by The Leatherback Project throughout the years!

📸 by Neil Everson for Smithsonian Magazine

#Nature #storytelling #photography #ocean #turtle #seaturtle

This past Friday, thousands gathered around the United States to #standupforscience. Researchers and concerned citizens joined together in protest of the massive job and funding losses across scientific disciplines. Through this incredible display of unity, overwhelming support for these scientific professionals and the projects they work tirelessly to advance was felt across the nation.

At The Leatherback Project, the knowledge gained by dedicated scientists lays the foundation for our impact. Utilizing science alongside the ancestral knowledge of Indigenous communities greatly enhances technological resources and unlocks a vital reserve of powerful change for Nature. Humans are part of Nature in this interconnected web of life. It is at this intersection of science and cultural heritage that the foundation for a sustainable and harmonious future with our planet begins to take shape.

Our projects, like Proyecto Yaug Galu, demonstrate how science feeds positive action. Our research in Armila in collaboration with the local community and @fundaciontortugasdelmar illuminates movements and migratory patterns of nesting female leatherback turtles through satellite tracking, identifies and describes nesting ecology and local threats through the development of a long-term monitoring program, and creates local capacity through the mentorship of undergraduate thesis students, @liz_13rios and @wiiguii19. These findings strengthen the Guna people's pursuit of protecting the endangered species, fragile coastlines, and the people who rely on these local ecosystems.

We, and so many others have witnessed science pave the way to progress. When we Stand Up for Science, we are also standing up for people, our planet, and our future.

Visit our website to see science manifest into action through Proyecto Yaug Galu. Link in our bio.

📸by @nikkiriddy

Everyday, all around the world, women lead us down a path of progress. With a compass calibrated with empathy, creativity, collaboration, and dynamic foresight, the women of the world help us shape a brighter future for all.

Today’s #InternationalWomensDay, gives us all a chance to celebrate those who inspire, invite, and create space for the next generation of women who will #AccelerateAction, advancing the rights, equality, and empowerment of women everywhere.

At the @leatherbackproject, we’re thankful to work alongside women who continually uplift one another, ensuring that our hearts and minds remain centered on our shared mission. Women forge change by advocating for those with no voice, protecting those we love (human and non-human), and safeguarding our communities made vulnerable by the impacts of a changing planet. Without the women who came before us, we wouldn’t have the incredible opportunity to work together and stand up #ForNature. Today, we honor those who broke barriers, empowering women to wholeheartedly dedicate our hearts, minds, and efforts to caring for planet Earth.

Thank you to the remarkable women, past, present, and future, who utilize their unique gifts to shape the world. Let us know in the comments which women have inspired you!

#womeninSTEM #marineconservation #seaturtles #ocean #nature #MotherEarth #extinctionisforever

This World Wildlife Day, we recognize that conservation isn’t just about protecting endangered species. It’s about investing in people and the planet. When communities are empowered with resources, knowledge exchange, and decision-making power, ecosystems thrive.

Yet across the globe, political decisions are determining the fate of entire species and ecosystems. From deforestation and over exploitation of vulnerable ecosystems to weakened environmental policies and corporate influence, Nature is being sacrificed for short-term economic gain. But protecting wildlife isn’t optional. It’s survival.

In countries like Panama, where the Rights of Nature have been enshrined into national law, we see a different path forward - one where the needs and rights of healthy wildlife populations and ecosystems are considered in all levels of decision-making.
In partnership with local communities, @miambientepnma, @fundaciontortugasdelmar, we have helped to establish the Saboga Wildlife Refuge, applying ecocentric principles that are part of the Rights of Nature framework, including the right to restoration and regeneration of vital life cycles.

The Refuge covers 83 square km, including 10 islands and islets in the Pearl Islands Archipelago, known for its rich biodiversity. It protects habitats for four sea turtle species (hawksbill, green, leatherback, and olive ridley), humpback whales, coral species, and serves as a nursery for reef fish, invertebrates, and migratory routes for whale sharks and mobula rays.

We collaborate with local community members to develop respectful ecotourism activities, provide economic growth activities that foster protections for Nature. Teamwork like this is a model for how investing in both people and the planet can create long-term, meaningful conservation impact while supporting the livelihoods of local communities.

Local stewardship, science, and national policy frameworks must come together in collaboration to ensure a resilient future for all life on Earth. Together, let’s advocate for leadership that puts Nature in the heart of decision-making. The future of wildlife is our future too.

📸 by @calliebroaddus @nikkiriddy @jasonisley

Happy #WorldSeagrassDay! In Panama and beyond, seagrass meadows lay the foundation for a flourishing ecosystem, and support countless creatures with their presence, including humans!

From turtles who feast on the blades to the shellfish who cradle their young in the dense foliage, seagrass finds so many ways to provide for our planet.

Scroll through and learn all about seagrass ecosystems! Do you still have questions about these underwater meadows? Let us know in the comments!

#seagrass #science #stem #nature #turtle #ocean

This year, we’re diving into a new chapter of conservation! 🚀

In collaboration with @reef_restoration_panama , @ocean_soldiers and @fundaciontortugasdelmar, four of our dedicated collaborators from the Saboga Island community are now certified divers, including the Director of the regional branch of @miambientepma, @aidamagana_saboga. They will be leading the efforts to restore the reef within the newly created Saboga Wildlife Refuge!!

Meet Ibdiel Gutierrez, just 14 years old and the youngest certified diver on our team! Having joined the team at the age of 9, he’s grown into a passionate ocean protector. Over the years, he’s contributed to sea turtle conservation efforts, including satellite-tagging and data collection. Ibdiel now envisions a future where he protects marine ecosystems while also helping his community through sustainable ecotourism opportunities. His journey exemplifies the next generation of ocean guardians, and we’re excited to support him every step of the way.

Saboga’s coral reef ecosystem is home to many marine species such as endangered hawksbill and green sea turtles. But like reefs around the world, Saboga’s corals are in trouble. Over the years, our team has witnessed the rapid decline in healthy and living corals around Saboga Island. The threats to Saboga’s reef ecosystem are taking a toll on the marine species and coastal communities that depend on it.

Our team will undergo training in reef restoration techniques, alongside an undergraduate thesis student conducting her research on the health status of the reefs around Saboga. Together, we will gather data to analyze the specific threats facing this ecosystem and the species that rely on it, ensuring we have a clearer understanding to guide our efforts in preserving and restoring the reef.

🤿So what’s next?

✅ Ongoing training at Reef Restoration Panama HQ
✅ Welcoming an undergraduate student to guide coral restoration
✅ Installing temperature data loggers to monitor reef conditions
✅ Fundraising to support long-term restoration efforts

Want to support Saboga’s reef restoration? Link in bio to learn more!

Video @karlag_barrientosmunoz

#reefrestoration #coral #turtles

What happens when science, conservation, community, and storytelling intertwine? Historic actions can be catalyzed, leaving a legacy that echoes through time, inspiring a ripple effect of change.

Three years ago today, Panama made history by recognizing the Rights of Nature, becoming the third country in the world to adopt a national Rights of Nature law. What began as a proposal from our founder, @callieveelenturf, to First Lady Yazmin Cortizo and Congressman Juan Diego Vásquez has evolved into a powerful model for how these laws can drive real change.

The creation of the Saboga Wildlife Refuge is a shining example of Panama not only implementing the Rights of Nature but also creating tangible conservation outcomes. The decree references Laws 287 and 371, emphasizing the “obligation to restore the habitats of sea turtles and prevent their contamination and degradation.”

In the three years since the adoption of this historic legislation, the rights and ecocentric principles in Panama’s Rights of Nature have now been implemented five times: through one institutional resolution by the Panama Air and Navy Service to create an Environmental Committee for the defense of the Rights of Nature (No. 029-2022), two Supreme Court rulings (First Quantum Minerals Copper Mine & Sierra Llorona), one national law and one ministerial decree to create the Saboga Wildlife Refuge (No. DM-0361-2024).

This is just the beginning. Panama’s evolving framework for the Rights of Nature is a beacon of hope for global conservation.

Head to our story to get an in-depth look at each of these groundbreaking implementations, and discover how this nation’s leaders’ and The Leatherback Project’s actions have created a cascading impact over the last three years.

📸 by @nikkiriddy

#RightsOfNature #nature #conservation #history

Calling you to say, HAPPY WORLD WHALE DAY! 🐋🎉

From the frigid waters of the Southern Ocean to the tropical currents of the Caribbean, whales embark on incredible journeys. Through their movements (and even their poop!), they fuel a natural process known as the “whale pump.” As whales dive deep, they bring nutrients from the ocean’s depths, and when they surface, their waste fertilizes the water, supporting the growth of vital phytoplankton blooms. These blooms play a key role in reducing atmospheric CO₂, promoting ocean health, and sustaining marine ecosystems. Whales not only distribute nutrients across the ocean, but their songs also resonate across vast distances. Humpback whale songs are unique to each population and sometimes even evolve or merge with songs from other regions. Whales are true architects of our oceans, shaping ecosystems and influencing life across the globe. That’s why their protection is so vital.

And that’s why the recently established Saboga Wildlife Refuge in the Pearl Islands of Panama is such an exciting development! The refuge provides a safe haven for marine species, including these incredible long-distance travelers. Located one of the few places on Earth where whales from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres meet, the refuge ensures these majestic creatures can birth and raise their young in these waters.

This achievement was made possible through a collaboration between the Saboga Island community, the Ministry of Environment of Panama, and The Leatherback Project, an example of what’s possible when people come together to restore balance and renew our harmonious relationship with Nature.

What’s not to celebrate this World Whale Day?! To spread the love for whales today comment your favourite whale facts in the comments below!

Footage by @nikkiriddy & @calliebroaddus

#worldwhaleday #marineconservation #humpbackwhales #sabogawildliferefuge #pearlislandspanama #nature

Shell-ebrate love this Valentine’s Day! ❤️�🐢 Whether it’s a partner, a friend, or the ocean itself, love comes in all forms! Share with your Valentine and spread the love!

#valentinesday #valentine #turtle #seaturtle #ocean #Nature

Have you submitted your poem to @reservaylt’s #PoemOrPay campaign yet? Today is the final day to share your “Ode to the Ocean” and help raise awareness for our collaboration to protect endangered sea turtles in Panama’s Pearl Islands.

Here are three ways you can join this meaningful effort:

✍️ Write and share an ocean-inspired poem on your IG story—don’t forget to tag @reservaylt and add #PoemOrPay.

🐢 Become an Ocean Protector by donating at give.reservaylt.org/poemorpay! Your donation will have
twice the impact as all contributions will be matched.

🌊 Nominate three fellow ocean advocates to take part!

Amid the biodiversity and climate crises, the ocean remains one of our greatest allies. By protecting it, we protect ourselves, the creatures we love, and the delicate balance of our planet. Funds raised through this initiative will provide 10 satellite tags to track nesting sea turtles and protect their vital migratory corridors in the Pearl Islands. Your support will help gather crucial data to drive marine protection efforts, ensuring a safer future for leatherback turtles and other marine life.

Submit your “Ode to the Ocean” poem today! 💖🌊 Whether you share a poem or contribute a donation, your action will leave a lasting impact.

Visit our stories to learn more about @reservaylt’s #PoemOrPay campaign and submit your poem today!

Stay tuned tomorrow as this special ocean collection will be released by @reservaylt on Valentine’s Day, celebrating the ocean’s beauty and its essential role in our future.

Today, the world honors International Day of Women and Girls in Science. And at The Leatherback Project, we celebrate the women driving research, conservation, and innovation every single day.

As a female-founded and female-led team, we know firsthand how important diverse perspectives are in science. Women bring collaboration, creativity, empathy and a deep sense of connection to nature and community, qualities that are essential in tackling today’s environmental challenges. Now more than ever, Nature needs their voices, leadership, and expertise.

To the women in science pushing boundaries and inspiring the next generation- we see you, we celebrate you, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!

📸 Shoutout to the women behind the scenes of these photos, documenting the work to inspire change and advance science @nikkiriddy @calliebroaddus @bellalack

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Hoy, el mundo celebra el Día Internacional de la Mujer y la Niña en la Ciencia. Y en The Leatherback Project, honramos a las mujeres que impulsan la investigación, la conservación y la innovación cada día.

Como un equipo fundado y liderado por mujeres, sabemos de primera mano lo importantes que son las perspectivas diversas en la ciencia. Las mujeres aportan colaboración, creatividad, empatía y una profunda conexión con la naturaleza y la comunidad, cualidades esenciales para abordar los desafíos ambientales de hoy. Ahora más que nunca, la Naturaleza necesita sus voces, su liderazgo y su experiencia.

A las mujeres en la ciencia que están rompiendo barreras e inspirando a la próxima generación: las vemos, las celebramos y estamos ansiosas por ver todo lo que lograrán.

📸 Un reconocimiento a las mujeres detrás de estas fotos, documentando el trabajo para inspirar el cambio y avanzar en la ciencia @nikkiriddy @calliebroaddus @bellalack

#internationalwomenandgirlsinscienceday #stem #science #seaturtle #conservation #Nature #diainternacionaldelamujerylaniñaenlaciencia #tortugamarina #conservación #naturaleza #mujeresenlaciencia #mujeresenSTEM #conservaciónmarina

A New Year, A Renewed Commitment to Conservation! 🇵🇦

Panama’s President, José Raúl Mulino, started the year by reaffirming the nation’s commitment to conservation, naming the signing of the Saboga Wildlife Refuge in September 2024 as a key step in protecting endangered species and combating climate change. This moment is a proud celebration of our collective efforts.

We can’t celebrate the creation of the Saboga Wildlife Refuge without celebrating all those involved! Through radical collaboration between the Saboga communities, government, scientists, and conservationists, the Refuge is now a reality.

We are proud to see the government of Panama taking a leadership role in environmental protection, setting a powerful example for the world. Building on the momentum from last year, the President’s speech has reenergized the spirit of conservation in Panama, reminding us of the importance of collective action.

Together, we’re creating a brighter future for nature in Panama and working to study and protect migratory species that know no country boundaries. As we look to 2025, we hope to see more examples of governments globally showing a strong, unwavering commitment to nature.

A huge thank you to everyone who made this possible, including the members of the Saboga Island community, the Ministry of Environment of Panama @maimbientepma, @juancanavarro, @meabrego0303, @roneys19, @titarosa22, @aidamagana_saboga, @senanpanama, @fundaciontortugasdelmar, @karlag_barrientosmunoz, @earthlawcenter, @wildlifelaywer, @insidenatgeo, @mission_blue, @arap_panama, @ramy_isabel.rr, @rolex, @the_explorers_club, @moorecharitable, Isla Secas Foundation, @seabacon, @awionline, @lenovo, @ucfturtlelab, Conservation Connect, Philip Stephenson Foundation, and The Alfred Kobacker and Elizabeth Trimbach Fund.

Our 2024 wrapped is here! 🐢

It’s been one shell of a year thanks to our amazing team and partners! Check it out and stay tuned for what’s to come in 2025!🦈🪸🐋🐢

#2024wrapped #wrapped @spotify #seaturtle #oceanconservation #sharks #rays #cetaceans #endangeredspecies #extinctionisforever #turtlelove #wildlifeprotection #savetheturtles #yearinreview #makingwaves

This holiday season we want to take a special moment to shell-ebrate everyone on Nature’s nice list! To all of our incredible partners, collaborators, and every one of you who’ve played your part to protect Nature, near and far!

To our dedictated team and all who have supported our work at the @leatherbackproject, thank you for being an essential part of our mission and we are so grateful! From advancing research and restoring critical nesting habitats to advocating for innovative rights based protections through the Rights of Nature framework, your support has made a lasting impact and inspires what we can achieve when we come together to protect what matters most.

As we look ahead to 2025, we’re filled with hope! There’s no limit for what we can accomplish through radical collaboration, and with your continued support, we’re excited about the progress ahead.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a New Year filled with peace, hope, and progress as we strive to live in harmony with nature, fostering well-being and health for all!

#HappyHolidays #happynewyear #turtlesofinstagram #seaturtleslovers #RightsOfNature #oceanconservation #protectnature #protectwildlife #merrychristmas

Giving Tuesday may be over, but the Giving Season is still upon us! You can still help us reach our fundraising goal! It’s World Wildlife Conservation Day after all! 💙

Every single donation, no matter the size, makes an incredible impact and reminds us of the power of collective action.

To everyone who has donated and supported us so far- thank you from the bottom of our hearts!! Your generosity drives our mission to protect endangered marine species and their habitats, fuels our dedicated team on the ground, uplifts coastal communities and helps to support the entire Earth community as a whole!

We need your help more than ever! Despite the ongoing biodiversity and climate crisis, only 2% of all philanthropic donations in the U.S. go to environmental organizations. Of that, just 0.3% support ocean conservation.

Yet, the oceans are essential for all life on Earth:

🐋 Absorbing 25% of global CO₂ emissions, the oceans play a crucial role in stabilizing our climate.

🌊 Capturing 90% of the excess heat from these emissions, the oceans shield us from more intense climate disruptions.

🐟 Providing a primary food source for over 3 billion people, the oceans are critical to global food security, sustaining livelihoods and supporting communities worldwide.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! The ocean is our greatest ally in the fight against climate change, home to immense biodiversity maintaining the essential balance that sustains life on this planet. With your support, we can continue working to defend the oceans rights to exist, persist and regenerate her vital cycles, helping the ocean thrive for generations to come.

Let’s make waves together 🌊 donate today and join us in our shared mission to protect the blue heart of our planet!💙

Photos: @nikkiriddy

#TheLeatherbackProject #ExtinctionIsForever #GivingTuesday #Ocean #SeaTurtles #MarineConservation #MarineBiology #Science #Research #Advocacy #Policy #SeaTurtlesOfInstagram #SaveTheSeaTurtles #Beach #BluePlanet #OceanLovers #SaveOurOceans

Shell-ebrate with us this @givingtuesday! There’s still time to give!

Today, on this special day of giving, we turn our focus to one of the most extraordinary creatures of the ocean—the leatherback sea turtle. This magnificent species, whose survival is deeply intertwined with the health of our marine ecosystems, is a symbol of both the challenges we face and the hope we have for a sustainable future.
Through our groundbreaking research on the leatherback, we are uncovering new ways to restore balance to our ocean, reduce the harmful impact of human activity on overexploited resources, and pave the way for the recovery of endangered wildlife. Every discovery brings us closer to understanding how to protect these vital ecosystems, from the deepest ocean depths to the most delicate coastal habitats.

Donate today at the link in our bio and become a part of the solution, helping to give a voice to the creatures that have none. Together, we can ensure that the legacy of the leatherback sea turtle—and countless other species—is one of hope, not extinction.

📸 @nikkiriddy & @calliebroaddus

#GivingTuesday #GoBlue #SaveOurSeas #LeatherbackTurtle #OceanConservation #MakeADifference

Did you know that with one action today, you could help protect a species that rivals the weight of 40 Christmas trees combined, can dive up to 4,000 feet into the ocean depths, and boasts a decorative shell unlike any other sea turtle?

This @givingtuesday, we invite you to join our global movement dedicated to protecting our incredible flagship species. Your donation will support vital research, education, and advocacy efforts to safeguard not only the leatherback, but all threatened and endangered marine life.

By leading research studies on leatherback sea turtles, we can uncover critical ways to further protect the oceans, discover innovative ways to enact Rights of Nature protections, and recover ecosystems for a brighter future. Most importantly, through this research, we can open the doors to conversations about the biggest threats facing endangered wildlife and oceans today. Your support will help amplify these efforts, turning science into action and knowledge into tangible change.

Donate today at the link in our bio and discover how your action will be brought to life through our conservation activities and vital collaborations with local communities.

#GivingTuesday #GivingTuesday2024 #DonateToday #SupportNonprofits #EndangeredSpecies #SaveTheTurtles #OceanConservation #ProtectOurPlanet

Video by @nikkiriddy

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 of our 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.

By supporting us today, you are helping advance crucial efforts to protect these extraordinary animals and the rich biodiversity that is the foundation of life on Earth. There’s no time to wait. Join us this Giving Tuesday and make a lasting impact for our oceans!

@givingtuesday 💙🐢🌊🐬🐙🐡🦑🦈🪼🪸🏝️

#GivingTuesday #LeatherbackProject #ExtinctionIsForever #ActNow #SeaTurtle #Conservation #Marine #Biodiversity

📸 @nikkiriddy

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Ahora, más que nunca, reconocemos el profundo impacto que la humanidad tiene en los ecosistemas del planeta y en la biodiversidad que sostiene la vida en la Tierra. Mientras enfrentamos una crisis ambiental, todos compartimos la responsabilidad de actuar, y no hay tiempo que perder.

Entre nuestras preocupaciones más urgentes está el futuro de la tortuga laúd. De las siete subpoblaciones de esta especie, cuatro están en peligro crítico de extinción, una está en peligro y dos carecen de datos suficientes. Estas magníficas criaturas, que han recorrido los océanos durante millones de años, ahora enfrentan amenazas sin precedentes que ponen en peligro su supervivencia.

Tu apoyo hoy impulsará investigaciones y acciones críticas para proteger a estas increíbles criaturas y a la biodiversidad que sustenta la vida en la Tierra. ¡No hay tiempo que perder! Únete a nosotros este *Giving Tuesday* y deja una huella duradera en nuestros océanos.

@givingtuesday 💙🐢🌊🐬🐙🐡🦑🦈🪼🪸🏝️

#ConservaciónMarina #TortugasMarinas #CrisisAmbiental #SalvemosLosOcéanos #Biodiversidad #AcciónPorElPlaneta

📸 @nikkiriddy

Did you know that every other breath you take comes from the ocean? The health of our oceans sustains us in ways we often overlook. So, this holiday season, let’s pause and reconsider Black Friday. Let’s Go Blue—a call to give back to the very source that sustains life on Earth.

🛒 Choose quality over quantity. Invest in products that last and buy only what you truly need.

🌎 Consider the impact of how and where your products are made. Support sustainable brands that prioritize the planet when you can.

💵 Vote with your dollars. Your impact extends beyond the ballot box.

Black Friday has become a global extravaganza, with 2023 alone seeing over $9.8 billion in online sales. But the allure of bargains comes at a cost. A 2019 study from the University of Leeds revealed that 80% of Black Friday purchases—along with their excessive plastic packaging—end up in landfills or broken recycling systems within a year. The waste doesn’t vanish; it lingers, piling up in our environment, often spilling into the ocean.

🌍 Every year, 14 million tons of plastic find their way into the sea—accounting for 80% of all marine debris. From urban runoff to discarded fishing gear, this plastic harms marine life and disrupts coastal communities. Sea turtles, whales, and countless other creatures suffer as they ingest or become trapped in this ever-growing mass of waste, such as the turtle hatching in our video. Coastal villages, like those in the remote San Blas Islands of Panama (Guna Yala), bear the brunt, forced to manage ever-increasing mounds of plastic with little to no waste management infrastructure.

Let’s change how we consume and think more deeply about the impact of our choices. Let’s Go Blue—not just in our purchases, but in our actions. Let’s give back to the ocean that gives so much to us every day.

How will you “Go Blue” today? Share with us in the comments below.

Note: The little hatchling did make it to the sea! Our team tries to intervene as little as possible, as they gain strength on their journey down the beaches, but our team was there to lend a helping hand.

Video: @nikkiriddy

#blackfriday #plasticfree #ocean

Today, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible partnerships and communities that fuel the work we do at The Leatherback Project. From protecting endangered sea turtles and marine ecosystems to advancing the Rights of Nature.

Our impact this year is a direct result of radical collaboration. Whether it’s local communities, governments, or international partners, every effort has brought us closer to living in harmony with Nature.

Thanks to the passionate participation of our dedicated partners, we were able to achieve:

• The creation of the Saboga Wildlife Refuge! Panama designated 10 islands and islets of the Pearl Islands Archipelago, a 83.01 square kilometer area, as a National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge will help protect a critical sea turtle habitat, safeguarding their future in the East Pacific.

• Four field expeditions to Pacific Panama, Atlantic Panama, and Atlantic Colombia in collaboration with @fundaciontortugasdelmar and @reservaylt to deploy a total of 21 satellite tags on 3 sea turtles species.

• The culmination of our UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge project @iluminarelmar reducing fisheries bycatch with innovative technologies in collaboration with @marenostrum.fnd and @ecopacificplus.

• A NGO delegation presence at EarthX, World Oceans Week in NYC, and the Convention on Biological Diversity CoP16 in Colombia.

• Impactful work alongside the Guna community of Armila through Proyecto Yaug Galu, whose dedication to monitoring and protecting their beaches has spanned decades. Through this collaboration, we’re sharing knowledge and expertise in our united fight to protect leatherback sea turtles from imminent development threats.

To our donors and partners, we couldn’t do this work without you. From all of us at The Leatherback Project, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all of your support!

Join us next week for @givingtuesday, as we reveal three ways you can help continue our critical conservation work!

#gratitude #thankyou #givingtuesday #savetheocean #conservation

Our team was fortunate to attend COP16 in Cali, Colombia—a vibrant city of salsa, culture, and biodiversity. COP16 offered a unique opportunity to engage with partners @earthlawcenter and @garnglobal, united by a mission to safeguard biodiversity through the Rights of Nature. Witnessing the growing momentum of this movement was inspiring, revealing its potential to reshape conservation worldwide.

One of the weeks highlights was taking a field trip to the iconic Pance River. What better way to celebrate the Rights of Nature than by visiting one of Colombia’s rivers recognized with legal rights? This recognition is a milestone for conservation and offers hope for ecosystems worldwide.

As excited as we were by the Rights of Nature movement’s growth, we were disappointed by the lack of tangible commitments and the slow pace of action to address biodiversity loss. Despite this, we’re grateful for the chance to participate in dialogues that laid the groundwork for future progress.

We were proud to bring collaborators from Panama’s Ministry of Environment to COP16, where their presence was crucial in showcasing our collaborative conservation effort in Panama. This was especially meaningful as we connected with partners @fundaciontortugasdelmar @cocomasur in Colombia to develop a united plan to protect Atlantic leatherback turtles nesting in the Gulf of Urabá, which spans Panama and Colombia. International collaboration will be vital to protecting biodiversity, as Nature knows no borders.

Our founder, @callieveelenturf, delivered multiple presentations on how scientific research, community collaboration and storytelling are driving conservation through the Rights of Nature framework.

We shared this journey with @reservaylt our dedicated conservation partners, even rooming with their team at a local hostel. Land Callie (@calliebroaddus) and Sea Callie (@callieveelenturf) danced to Cali Pachenguero in Cali, Colombia which was an iconic moment for the iconic duo.

Connecting with so many passionate people was one of the most rewarding aspects of COP16. We’re excited to share more soon about our growing collaborations. Stay tuned!

#cop16colombia #biodiversity

Our planet is facing an unprecedented biodiversity crisis, with habitat loss, pollution, and climate change pushing millions of species toward extinction.

At COP16, there were critical shortcomings that threaten our ability to meet global biodiversity goals. Delayed decisions on financing, resource mobilization, and the slow progress of national commitments risk hindering the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). Key votes on biodiversity financing were deferred, and the lack of mandatory standards for gene drive technology leaves room for environmental and ethical risks.

Despite these challenges, COP16 also delivered important positive outcomes.
•⁠ ⁠Indigenous communities gained a permanent seat at the table, strengthening their role in biodiversity governance.
•⁠ ⁠Protections for marine ecosystems were advanced, helping move toward the 30x30 target to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030.
•⁠ The unique role of Afro-descendant peoples in biodiversity conservation was formally recognized.
•⁠ ⁠The “One Health” approach was adopted, connecting human health and ecosystem sustainability.
•⁠ ⁠New scientific cooperation centers were launched.
•⁠ ⁠The Cali Fund was established to support genetic data sharing, benefiting Indigenous peoples and nations, though its voluntary contribution model raises concerns about its effectiveness.

Time is running out to protect Earth’s biodiversity - without urgent, drastic action, we risk irreversible damage to the ecosystems that sustain life.

We must act now to protect the rich biodiversity that sustains our planet and all life on it. From local conservation initiatives to global movements, countless organizations are working tirelessly to safeguard ecosystems, protect endangered species, and foster sustainable solutions. Follow these organizations to support their critical work and stay informed on how you can get involved.

Tag your favorite organizations in the comments below to help others discover even more ways to support biodiversity protection. Together, we can protect the future of our planet!

Happy World Migratory Bird Day! Today, we celebrate the migratory birds whose journeys span continents and connect vital habitats across regions, depending on vital habitats like Panama’s Pearl Islands.  Panama’s newly established Saboga Wildlife Refuge provides a critical haven for many species, preserving essential stopover and nesting sites. These natural corridors support not only migratory birds but the broader biodiversity they anchor within these ecosystems.   The Pearl Islands welcome a variety of migratory visitors, including iconic species such as the Blue-footed Booby (Sula nebouxii), Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens), and Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis). Shorebirds like the Sanderling (Calidris alba), Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) and gulls such as the Gray Gull (Leucophaeus modestus) also rely on these shores during their incredible journeys. 
Recognizing the importance of these migratory routes reminds us that nature knows no borders. Panama’s initiatives serve as an inspiring model for other nations, highlighting the need for international collaboration to protect our planet’s biodiversity and foster global partnerships in wildlife conservation.

Congratulations to Panama for its commitment to safeguarding these vital ecosystems and inspiring others to take action for migratory birds and their habitats!

Photos by @nikkiriddy & @calliebroaddus

#WorldMigratoryBirdDay #SabogaWildlifeRefuge #Panama #PearlIslands #BirdWatching #Biodiversity #Birds #Beach #Island #BirdLovers #BirdsofInstagram #NatureLovers #FeatheredFriends #BirdPhotography #BirdsOfTheWorld #Canon #BirdPhotography

Happy World Habitat Day! 🏝️🪸🌊Today we celebrate the diverse ecosystems that sustain life on our planet, from lush rainforests and vibrant coral reefs to resilient mangroves and deep ocean habitats.These environments provide shelter, food, and vital resources for countless species, including us, supporting the delicate balance essential to life on Earth. Yet, many of these habitats are under threat due to climate change, habitat destruction, and pollution, putting immense pressure on global biodiversity.

Panama has emerged as a global leader in marine conservation, setting an inspiring example by already protecting over 54% of its ocean territories- exceeding the United Nations’ 30x30 initiative aimed at securing 30% protection of areas by 2030. The Saboga Wildlife Refuge exemplifies Panama’s commitment to preserving biodiversity, enhancing climate resilience, and supporting local communities.

A huge thank you to everyone who made this possible, including the members of the Saboga Island community, the Ministry of Environment of Panama @maimbientepma, @juancanavarro, @aidita_lia30, @meabrego0303, @roneys19, @titarosa22, @wildlifelawyer, @senanpanama, @genovevanellyforero, @fundaciontortugasdelmar, @karlag_barrientosmunoz, @earthlawcenter, @insidenatgeo, @mission_blue, @arap_panama, @rolex, @the_explorers_club, @moorecharitable, Isla Secas Foundation, @seabacon, @awionline, @lenovo, @ucfturtlelab, Conservation Connect, Philip Stephenson Foundation, The Alfred Kobacker and Elizabeth Trimbach Fund, and many more!

Footage @nikkiriddy @calliebroaddus @elliotanimal

#SabogaWildlifeRefuge #WorldHabitatDay #Panama #PearlIslands #SeaTurtles #Whalesharks #Coral #Reefs #Mangroves #Marine #Conservation #30x30 #Beach #Ocean #Forest #RightsOfNature #RefugioDeVidaSilvestreSaboga #DíaMundialDelHábitat #Panamá #IslasPerlas #TortugasMarinas #TiburonesBallena #Coral #Arrecifes #Manglares #ConservaciónMarina #30x30 #Playa #Océano #Bosque #DerechosDeLaNaturaleza

On this World Animal Day, we’re celebrating a massive step forward for wildlife protection — the establishment of the Saboga Wildlife Refuge! 🌱✨

This newly protected area covers 83 square kilometers of critical habitat, safeguarding not only hawksbill, green, leatherback, and olive ridley sea turtles, but also a stunning array of marine life. The refuge is home to nurse sharks, white tip reef sharks, moray eels, eagle rays, cow nose rays, manta rays, whale sharks, humpback whales and Bryde’s whales just to name a few! It even hosts the unique Boa constrictor sabogae, endemic to these islands. 🐋🦈🐍

But it doesn’t stop there — Saboga Wildlife Refuge is a birdwatcher’s paradise, hosting iconic species like blue-footed boobies, yellow-footed boobies, frigatebirds, brown pelicans, and many others. 🦅🐦 The refuge protects the habitats of over 41 bird species, making it a vital area for avian biodiversity as well.

This milestone is a huge win for animals and all of us, as we protect the biodiversity and ecosystems that support our planet. Thank you to the Saboga community, the Ministry of Environment, and all our collaborators for making this refuge a reality!

Special thanks to @maimbientepma, @juancanavarro @meabrego0303 @roneys19 @titarosa22, @senanpanama, @fundaciontortugasdelmar, @karlag_barrientosmunoz , @earthlawcenter, @wildlifelaywer, @insidenatgeo, @mission_blue, @arap_panama, @rolex, @the_explorers_club, @moorecharitable, Isla Secas Foundation, @seabacon, @awionline, @lenovo, @ucfturtlelab, Conservation Connect, Philip Stephenson Foundation, and The Alfred Kobacker and Elizabeth Trimbach Fund.

📸 @nikkiriddy

#WorldAnimalDay #SabogaWildlifeRefuge #EndangeredSpecies #TheLeatherbackProject #RightsOfNature #Marine #Conservation #SeaTurtles #Sharks #Dolphins #Whales #Snake #Birds #Beach #Ocean #Panama #PearlIslands #Wildlife #Animals #DíaMundialDeLosAnimales#RefugioDeVidaSilvestreDeSaboga #DerechosDeLaNaturaleza #Conservación #TortugasMarinas #Tiburones #Delfines #Ballenas #Serpiente #Playa #Océano

While our team was snorkeling in the vibrant reef ecosystem of Saboga Island, we could hear the playful songs of humpback whales echoing through the water. Panama is one of the few countries in the world that hosts humpback whales from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. During this time of year, humpback whales travel thousands of miles from as far as Antarctica to breed and raise their young. By creating the Saboga Island National Wildlife Refuge, we are safeguarding their critical birthing areas, providing a safe start for future generations.

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Mientras nuestro equipo estaba haciendo snorkel en el vibrante ecosistema de arrecifes de la Isla Saboga, pudimos escuchar las juguetonas canciones de las ballenas jorobadas resonando a través del agua. Panamá es uno de los pocos países en el mundo que alberga ballenas jorobadas tanto del hemisferio norte como del hemisferio sur. Durante esta época del año, las ballenas jorobadas viajan miles de millas desde tan lejos como la Antártida para reproducirse y criar a sus jóvenes. Al crear el Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre de la Isla Saboga, estamos salvaguardando sus áreas críticas de parto, proporcionando un inicio seguro para las futuras generaciones.

Un enorme agradecimiento a todos los que hicieron esto posible, incluyendo a los miembros de la comunidad de la Isla Saboga, @maimbientepma, @juancanavarro, @aidita_lia30, @meabrego0303, @roneys19, @titarosa22, @wildlifelawyer, @senanpanama, @genovevanellyforero, @fundaciontortugasdelmar, @karlag_barrientosmunoz, @earthlawcenter, @insidenatgeo, @mission_blue, @arap_panama, @rolex, @the_explorers_club, @moorecharitable, Isla Secas Foundation, @seabacon, @awionline, @lenovo, @ucfturtlelab, Conservation Connect, Philip Stephenson Foundation, The Alfred Kobacker and Elizabeth Trimbach Fund, ¡y muchos más!

Video @nikkiriddy

#humpbackwhale#whale#ocean#whales#humpback#nature#wildlife#underwaterphotography#marinebiologist#panama#pearlislands#SabogaRefuge#ballenajorobada #ballena #océano #ballenas #jorobada #naturaleza #vida silvestre #fotografiainmersion #biólogomarinio #panamá #islasperladas #refugiosaboga

¡El Ministro de Ambiente de Panamá firmó la resolución para la creación del Refugio de Vida Silvestre Saboga! Una nueva área protegida! Sumérgete con la Fundadora de The Leatherback Project @leatherbackproject, @callieveelenturf, para descubrirlo.

Este logro demuestra el poder de la colaboración radical, impulsando el progreso para la conservación y creando un impacto duradero para nuestro planeta.

Un enorme agradecimiento a todos los que hicieron esto posible, incluyendo a los miembros de la comunidad de la Isla Saboga, @maimbientepma, @juancanavarro, @aidita_lia30, @meabrego0303, @roneys19, @titarosa22, @wildlifelawyer, @senanpanama, @genovevanellyforero, @fundaciontortugasdelmar, @karlag_barrientosmunoz, @earthlawcenter, @insidenatgeo, @mission_blue, @arap_panama, @rolex, @the_explorers_club, @moorecharitable, Isla Secas Foundation, @seabacon, @awionline, @lenovo, @ucfturtlelab, Conservation Connect, Philip Stephenson Foundation, The Alfred Kobacker and Elizabeth Trimbach Fund, ¡y muchos más!

📹@nikkiriddy @calliebroaddus @elliotanimal @callieveelenturf

#RefugioDeVidaSilvestreSaboga#DerechosDeLaNaturaleza#ConservaciónMarina#ArchipiélagoDeLasPerlas#VidaSilvestreDePanamá#TortugasMarinas#SabogaNationalWildlifeRefuge#SagobaRefuge#WildlifeProtection#RightsOfNature#MarineConservation#PearlIslands#Panama#SeaTurtles#HumbackWhales#EagleRay#Whaleshark#NurseShark#BlueFootedBooby

BREAKING NEWS FOR NATURE IN PANAMA!🌿

(ENG 1-7 | ESP 8-14)

We’re excited to announce the establishment of the Sagoba National Wildlife Refuge in Panama! 🐢🏝️

Covering nearly 86 sq km and encompassing 10 islands and islets within the Pearl Islands Archipelago, this new refuge was officially signed on September 12, 2024, by Panama’s Minister of the Environment and announced publicly today in the Presidential Gazette of Panama.

The Pearl Islands Archipelago is a biodiversity hotspot, containing nesting and/or foraging grounds for four species of sea turtles: hawksbill, green, leatherback, and olive ridley, as well as 57 species of corals. It also hosts unique wildlife like the endemic Boa constrictor sabogae and serves as nursery grounds for hammerhead sharks and humpback whales. The refuge will protect crucial nesting habitats for 41 bird species, including the blue-footed booby, and vital migration routes for whale sharks, mobula rays, and cetaceans. 🌊🦈🐋

Local efforts, led by the Saboga community and The Leatherback Project, in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment, Panama’s Air and Navy Service, and Fundacion Tortugas del Mar, have been instrumental in this achievement. Together, we’ve tagged and monitored 134 turtles, combining local knowledge and scientific data to show that the Saboga Refuge contains crucial habitats for endangered species.

Callie Veelenturf, our Director, emphasizes Panama’s commitment to recognizing the intrinsic Rights of Nature. “The creation of the Saboga Island National Wildlife Refuge is one of the first implementation measures of Law 287, recognizing the Rights of Nature in Panama. This action is vital, as it shows the world an example of what respecting the intrinsic Rights of Nature looks like in practice.”

This is a shining example of how conservation, community, and government collaboration can lead to meaningful change. Thank you to everyone involved, including the Ministry of Environment of Panama @maimbientepma, @juancanavarro, @meabrego0303, @aidita_lia30, @titarosa22, @the_obligated @senanpanama @genovevanellyforero @karlag_barrientosmunoz, @fundaciontortugasdelmar, @earthlawcenter and many more.

Fieldwork doesn’t always go as planned, and the species you’re searching for doesn’t always appear on schedule! Our team made predictions on how many nesting green sea turtles we’d encounter during our nightly surveys based in the local ecological knowledge of the typical start of green turtle nesting in the Pearl Islands. Despite nightly beach monitoring, we didn’t spot any green sea turtles. Delays in nesting could be due to oceanographic conditions and annual nesting population fluctuations. But we weren’t discouraged! Flexibility is key in fieldwork. We adapted by changing locations and ended our expedition on a high note by tagging a foraging female green turtle, large enough to be a reproductively mature, nesting individual! Hopefully we will see her on one of the nesting beaches sometime soon!

Video @ingrid.martinson

#conservation #fieldwork #seaturtles #marinebiology #science #nature #rightsofnature #turtlelove #beach #panama #pearlislands

Sea turtle conservation fieldwork definitely comes with its challenges. Our team faced intense heat, hundreds of chitra (sandfly) bites, sleepless nights, injuries, infections, and even scorpion stings. But these tough moments only made the others shine brighter. From nesting sea turtles to pods of humpback whales, snake sightings and fascinating spiders, @calliebroadus brought extra joy to every moment in between with her seaside serenades on the ukulele.

🎶 Detectorists by Johnny Flynn ft the ocean waves

Video by @ingrid.martinson

#MarineConservation #FieldworkLife #Seaturtles #WildlifeEncounters #ProtectOurPlanet #Nature #Conservasionists #SaveOurSeas #oceanconservation #KeepOceansBlue #ProtectTheOcean #BluePlanet
#OceanProtectors #Ukelele #Research #Science #Policy

La semana pasada en el Archipiélago de las Perlas, nos reunimos con el personal de SENAN para una ceremonia profundamente significativa, donde tuvimos el honor de colocar un dispositivo de rastreo satelital a una tortuga verde en peligro de extinción y liberarla de nuevo en el océano en memoria del Subcomisionado Post Mortem Jorge Martínez, quien perdió su vida al salvar a tres personas de ahogarse. Al ver a la tortuga deslizarse de nuevo al mar, nos recordamos del impacto profundo que el Subcomisionado Post Mortem Martínez, tuvo en nuestra misión y en nuestra colaboración con SENAN. El Subcomisionado Post Mortem Martínez, fue más que un colaborador; fue una fuerza guía que jugó un papel crucial en las primeras etapas de nuestros proyectos en Panamá. Desde nuestra primera reunión con SENAN en 2019, donde facilitó nuestras conversaciones con el Director General, hasta su participación activa en sesiones de capacitación con más de 60 soldados, su liderazgo y compromiso fueron inquebrantables. El Subcomisionado Post Mlrtem Martínez, puede que ya no esté con nosotros físicamente, pero su legado vive en cada esfuerzo por proteger la vida marina de Panamá, inspirándonos a continuar este trabajo vital en su honor.

📸 @calliebroaddus @nikkiriddy @nobody__nemo

Our team just returned from a three-week expedition in the Pearl Islands with @reservaylt. Our primary goal was to tag 10 nesting green sea turtles to map critical migratory routes, contributing to the expansion of marine protected areas to include the Pearl Islands. This region is a vital area in need of protection. While the Pearl Islands are designated as a Special Management Zone, they currently lack a comprehensive management plan—insights from our work could be pivotal in informing this process.

For 21 nights, we monitored the beaches from dusk till dawn, yet no green turtles emerged. Based on local ecological knowledge, July marks the first month of the nesting season, but our team and colleagues in Colombia observed an unusual delay in nesting activity this year.

Though we were unable to tag the green sea turtles as planned, we encountered and processed several olive ridley turtles that came to nest, as well as a young hawksbill turtle brought to us by a local fisherman. We also witnessed a hatching event, documenting the incredible biodiversity of the Pearl Islands, including humpback whales and the endemic Saboga Island boa constrictor (Boa imperator sabogae).

Adapting our strategy, we conducted night surveys on the reefs of Saboga, within the area of the new proposed National Wildlife Refuge. We captured endangered green and hawksbill turtles as part of our long-term mark and recapture study and successfully deployed satellite tags on a male hawksbill and a male green turtle. So much has happened over the last few weeks, and we can’t wait to share more with you.

Our conservation efforts thrive on collaboration and community involvement. As we continue our work with @reservaylt, we invite you to join us in protecting these critical ecosystems. Your support is key to ensuring that places like the Pearl Islands Archipelago receive the protection they urgently need.

*All actions involving wildlife are carried out by qualified professionals with proper permits. Please maintain a respectful distance during wildlife encounters.

📸 @calliebroaddus @nikkiriddy

#seaturtle #ocean #conservation #panama

Have you seen the recent episode of Wild Hope, ‘Protecting Paradise’? Join us in celebrating its release and discover our ongoing collaboration in the Pearl Islands to protect sea turtle habitat and support local livelihoods.

In these efforts to protect paradise, sea turtles serve as ambassadors, connecting land and sea and inspiring broad-sweeping change for nature.This episode dives into our collaboration with local communities in the Pearl Islands to protect their environment and livelihoods from the threats they face.

Discover the powerful impact of satellite tagging efforts in revealing critical habitats and combating illegal fishing, and how these initiatives are driving significant legislative victories for marine conservation.

In this episode, learn how our founder and marine biologist @callieveelenturf is leading a local research team to study endangered sea turtles to support Panama implementing the Rights of Nature into law, ensuring a future for both the turtles and the people of the Pearl Islands Archipelago. This work has not only protected sea turtles but has also created a tool that allows the local people to be a voice for nature legally.

We are thrilled to see the Rights of Nature gaining this platform, and we are incredibly grateful to the @wildhopetv @pbsnature crew and team involved in putting this episode together.

Watch now and join us in celebrating this incredible journey toward environmental justice and marine conservation!

Link in bio!💙

#ProtectingParadise #WildHope #SeaTurtleWeek #LeatherbackProject #RightsOfNature #MarineConservation #SaveTheTurtles #SabogaIsland #PearlIslands #EndangeredSpecies

Happy World Sea Turtle Day! 🌊🐢✨

Join us in honoring these incredible creatures and the dedicated people advancing efforts to protect them. We are deeply grateful for our amazing international team and other inspiring conservation communities working tirelessly to protect sea turtles around the world. Every small action counts in the fight for their future and ours.

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¡Feliz Día Mundial de la Tortuga Marina! 🌊🐢✨

Únete a nosotros para honrar a estas increíbles criaturas y a las personas dedicadas que avanzan los esfuerzos para protegerlas. Estamos profundamente agradecidos por nuestro asombroso equipo internacional y otras comunidades inspiradoras de conservación que trabajan incansablemente para proteger a las tortugas marinas en todo el mundo. Cada pequeña acción cuenta en la lucha por su futuro y el nuestro.

#worldseaturtleday #seaturtleweek #seaturtlelove #seaturtleconservation #leatherbackseaturtle #extinctionisforever #marinebiology #conservation #nature #rightsofnature #DíaMundialDeLasTortugasMarinas
#ProtegeLasTortugasMarinas#ConservaciónMarina #AmorPorElOcéano#BiodiversidadMarina #Tortugas

Sea turtle week is well underway and today the turtle community is highlighting the leatherback sea turtle as well as one of the threats they face- plastic pollution.

Leatherback sea turtles eat nearly their weight in jellyfish daily, playing a crucial role in maintaining balanced marine ecosystems. By controlling jellyfish populations, they help sustain healthy fish stocks, earning them the title “fishermen’s best friend”. Plastic bags often resemble jellyfish in the oceans and can be consumed by sea turtles threatening their survival.

So what better day to revisit our World Oceans Week collaboration with New York @harborschool which brought to life a powerful art installation: a lifesize leatherback turtle made from diverted materials and marine debris collected from Florida, California, and New York. Under the guidance of artist Jenny Marketou, students from New York Harbor School transformed these materials into a symbol of hope and a call to action against plastic pollution.

🌍 **Materials Used:**
- Wooden frame by SFDS Fabrication House
- Diverted boat wrapping from the Florida Keys
- Upcycled NOAA fishing nets from San Diego
- Household plastics from NYC waste
- Marine debris from the Harbor

@jmarketou , a Greek-born artist based in NYC, led the students in this project. Known for her participatory process and large-scale public sculptures, Jenny’s work transforms discarded objects into powerful ecosystems, challenging communities to address social and ecological issues.

This project was made possible by:
- Producer & Creative Director @tiffmakeswaves
- Co-Producer & Creative Director @nikkiriddy
- SFDS Fabrication House
- Greenwater Marine Science Offshore
- NOAA - National Marine Fisheries Service
- Eye Catchers Signs
- Installation Artists Benjamin von Wong & Victoria Cassar
- Set Designer Vinh Pham
- Visual Artist Lucy Duong

Art has the power to inspire and provoke change. We hope to encourage everyone to reflect on their plastic with this instal, using the leatherback turtle as the species that highlights the vulnerability to plastic pollution and take the necessary steps to protect our oceans and marine life.💙

It’s @seaturtleweek, and today’s highlight is one of the biggest threats facing sea turtle populations worldwide: entanglement in fishing gear.

Leatherback turtles can hold their breath for up to 85 minutes, but when trapped in fishing gear, they often succumb to drowning, making this one of the biggest threat to their survival. Trawls, longlines, driftnets, gill nets, pots, and traps all contribute to the death of marine creatures through incidental capture or entanglement.

In collaboration with local fishermen to create more sustainable solutions, the @leatherbackproject and @marenostrum.fnd with partners @ecopacificoplus and @cobim initiated @iluminarelmar with the goal of testing how green LED lights and other Bycatch Reduction Technologies (BRTs) can significantly reduce bycatch in artisanal gill nets in Ecuador.

Ecuador’s artisanal fleets produce some of the highest rates of endangered species bycatch. @iluminarelmar aims to prevent the extinction of the East Pacific leatherback sea turtle by implementing these innovative technologies. Studies globally show that using colored lights on fishing nets can reduce sea turtle bycatch by up to 93%, without significantly affecting the target catch.

For World Ocean Week at @the_explorers_club, our team collaborated with producer @tiffmakeswaves to create “Hanging Hope,” an art installation using nets and photographs to evoke the contrasts of darkness and light. The entry area is enveloped by tattered nets and images of entangled turtles. As you move towards the illuminated area, the nets transform from fragments to wholes where images of free-swimming turtles signify hope. This art piece demonstrates how a small, inexpensive, battery-operated light can make a world of difference.

Join us in celebrating #SeaTurtleWeek by spreading awareness about the threats facing sea turtles and the innovative solutions by many. Together, we can shift from despair to hope and ensure a future where sea turtles and people thrive.

Special thanks to photographers @mitty @brianskerry @jordichias and @morganbennetsmith for contributing your powerful imagery for this art and conservation collaboration!

Photos by @kontentmint

Happy World Ocean(s) Day! 🌊🐢

This week, the Leatherback Project team was in New York for World Oceans Week, where we delved into dynamic discussions on science and research, art and conservation, and the importance of indigenous stewardship in the climate space, as indigenous people have been living in harmony with Nature for millennia. It’s time our legal systems recognize Nature’s inherent rights to exist, persist, and regenerate her vital cycles!!

Yesterday, our passionate team members, @callieveelenturf and @wiiguii19, had the honor of speaking with the @unitednations to create this video highlighting the profound significance of the ocean.

Wiiguii shares the sacred bond between the leatherback sea turtle and the Guna People of her community in Armila, Panama. These majestic creatures are not only vital to our oceans because they are keystone species but also hold deep cultural importance and are known as the lost sisters of the sea.

The ocean is the lungs of our blue planet, producing over half of the world’s oxygen and regulating our climate. Protecting the ocean is not just about preserving its natural beauty but ensuring the survival of all life on Earth.

Let’s put our strength together to ensure a healthy, thriving ocean for future generations!!!

ESPAÑOL ⬇️

#WorldOceanDay #WorldOceansWeek #LeatherbackProject #SeaTurtleConservation #IndigenousStewardship #RightsofNature #OceansMatter #UN

Happy World Turtle Day! 🐢 Today, we celebrate these ancient mariners and raise awareness about the threats they face.

Did you know there are seven species of sea turtles, each playing a crucial role in the health of marine ecosystems? Sadly, nearly all are endangered due to harmful human activities.

Plastics find their way to secluded shores, the precious few sanctuaries left for leatherback turtles to continue the cycle of life for the next generation.

This image of a baby leatherback turtle was captured on our last expedition after overcoming the challenge of making it through mounds of trash as it made its way to the sea, one of the many threats facing turtles’ survival today.

The ways you can help is by reducing single plastic use, participating in clean-ups, spreading awareness, or putting pressure on government officials to advance policies around plastics. Together, we can create a safer, cleaner environment for sea turtles. Join us in doing our part to make the sea plastic free!!! 🌊

📸 @nikkiriddy

¡Feliz Día Mundial de la Tortuga! Hoy celebramos a estos antiguos navegantes y concienciamos sobre las amenazas que enfrentan.

¿Sabías que existen siete especies de tortugas marinas, cada una desempeñando un papel crucial en la salud de los ecosistemas marinos? Lamentablemente, casi todas están en peligro de extinción debido a las actividades humanas perjudiciales.

Los plásticos encuentran su camino hacia playas apartadas, los pocos santuarios restantes donde las tortugas laúd pueden continuar el ciclo de vida para la próxima generación.

Esta imagen de una cría de tortuga laúd fue capturada en nuestra última expedición después de superar el desafío de atravesar montones de basura en su camino hacia el mar, una de las muchas amenazas que enfrentan las tortugas hoy en día.

Puedes ayudar reduciendo el uso de plásticos de un solo uso, participando en limpiezas, difundiendo conciencia o presionando a los funcionarios gubernamentales para que avancen en políticas sobre plásticos.

¡Juntos, podemos crear un entorno más seguro y limpio para las tortugas marinas! ¡Únete a nosotros para hacer nuestra parte y hacer que los mares estén libres de plásticos!

Today is World Endangered Species Day! A day to bring awareness to the threats facing endangered species and rally together to inspire change that protects these species from extinction.

Did you know that the leatherback sea turtle, the largest of all sea turtles, faces significant threats? Pacific leatherback populations have declined by over 90% in recent decades due to bycatch, habitat loss, climate change, and plastic pollution.

Sea turtles are vital for healthy oceans. Protecting sea turtles means protecting our oceans and future. The numbers are scary, but the inspiring work by many groups gives us hope!!!

Let’s take action to protect these beautiful marine creatures and their habitats. Every turtle counts.

Video by @tanglesandtail

#WorldEndangeredSpeciesDay #SaveTheTurtles #LeatherbackProject

🌎🐢 Happy Earth Day from The Leatherback Project! 🐢🌎

Did you know that over 70% of planet Earth is covered by ocean? The ocean connects us all and reminds us of interconnectedness of our planet and the importance of fostering international collaboration for conservation.
That’s why we are so passionate about leatherback sea turtles- they make the perfect ambassador, connecting land and sea ecosystems, transcending borders globally!

Remarkably, leatherback sea turtles have graced our planet for over 100 million years, outliving even the dinosaur extinction, and yet, they now face the looming threat of extinction from different ocean basins due to the harmful practices of modern society. It reminds us that environmental issues, such as marine pollution and overfishing, are not confined by borders and require joint efforts to address effectively.

Through our research and conservation efforts with sea turtles, we have successfully deployed our data and multimedia to inform the Rights of Nature in legal systems on a national level. The Rights of Nature is a tool that gives people the power to be a voice For nature in legal systems worldwide, making it possible for every day to be Earth Day!

We want to share what we have learned to empower others such as scientists, students and anyone to join the Rights of Nature Movement. We have learned many things on this journey, but the first lesson learned is that you don’t have to be a politician to influence policy!

To celebrate Earth Day, our Executive Director, Callie Veelenturf, will be presenting some of our work advocating for Nature at The Explorers Club Headquarters in New York City at 7pm Eastern Time. Please tune in to learn more by watching tonight, live on YouTube! Link in bio ❤️

#EveryDayIsEarthDay #SeaTurtles #EarthDay #BluePlanet #PlanetOcean #LeatherbackProject #Conservation #Science #RightsofNature

🎉 Today, we raise our glass in celebration of the incredible @callieveelenturf, our founder and guiding light! 🐢

She is a true force of nature and there is no coincidence that Callie shares her birthday with the trailblazer @janegoodallinst, whose groundbreaking work revolutionized our understanding of primates and our connection to Nature. Just as Dr. Jane Goodall paved the way for a new era of environmental consciousness, Callie is reshaping our approach to conservation through her tireless efforts.

Beyond her remarkable advances for Nature through research and advocacy, Callie is a compassionate leader who is working to advance the recognition of Nature’s inherent rights in legal systems globally. Callie is the hardest, most dedicated person we know, and she does it all with impressive grace and kindness, fostering a sense of community wherever she goes. Her unwavering commitment to protecting our planet serves as an inspiration to us all.

Here’s to Callie - a beacon of hope for conservation, a force for positive change, and a true inspiration to us all. 🌟

Happy Birthday, Callie and Jane!

Photos by @calliebroaddus, @nikkiriddy & @bellalack

Traducción al español en comentarios abajo ⬇️

#happybirthday #janegoodall #conservation #leatherbackproject #seaturtles #marinebiology #biodiversity #planetocean #ocean #nature #rightsofnature

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