SEA TURTLE CONSERVANCY
Sea turtles play a key role in the marine ecosystem at a global level, especially because some species exhibit a migratory pattern traversing the national boundaries of many countries. But they are facing threats, including: fisheries bycatch, unsustainable coastal development and more.
You can help the turtles in Panama, by becoming a sea turtle volunteer to monitor sea turtles, and relocate nests to a safe location on the beach, at a small coastal town off the pacific coast named Malena. Worldwide low numbers indicate these species will not survive unless efforts are put in place to generate local information and conserve the marine ecosystems.
Sea Turtle Conservation in Panama
There are many sea turtle organisations in Panama including partners like Tortuguías, Tortugas Pedasi, Tortuagro Cambutal, Fundación Agua y Tierra to cite a few, doing an incredible job protecting these beautiful animals. Since 2018 PANAMA WILDLIFE CONSERVATION has been developing community workshops, beach clean-up and outreach activities at local schools in an effort to raise local awareness about sea turtle conservation along the pacific coast of Azuero Peninsula in Panama.
In order to help the turtles in Panama, we rely on a monthly fee paid by our sea turtle volunteers. This allows us to develop our sea turtle projects, explore isolated beaches and discover non-registered sea turtle nesting sites, and engage with local inhabitants in the Azuero Peninsula to promote sea turtle conservation. Learn how to become a sea turtle volunteer here.
You might wonder what are the costs? Our volunteer positions are self-funded. We keep costs as low as possible for one-month placements, as we are not a big charity and still rely on volunteers like you. Our monthly fee is $1,250 and covers ALL your in-country expenses (logistics, transport, accommodation, food and other expenses) associated with your sea turtle conservation volunteering.
PWCC has no facilities in Panama, volunteers are hosted by local families. On Malena beach you will be assigned tasks such as relocating nests, monitoring turtles at night and releasing baby turtles
The fee paid is also distributed between the local community, our scientists assisting volunteers, and is re-invested in our sea turtle conservation programmes.
Sea Turtle Conservation Status
The subpopulations of the Tropical Eastern Pacific of the hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and the leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) are classified as critically endangered by the IUCN, whilst the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) subpopulation is classified as endangered. The scant information for the Pacific coast of Panama, about nesting sites and nesting activity of these species, has driven us to protect them with the help of local communities in Azuero, Panama.
PWCC is working together with local and international partners to identify new nesting beaches and to monitor the species in situ, sticking to a strong local awareness programme towards sea turtle conservation. Check our news section to learn more about our work or send us an email today, we are happy to help!
