We Love Our Sea Turtles in Panama:  MiAMBIENTE Establishes the National Committee for their Protection and Conservation

The Ministry of Environment (MiAMBIENTE) officially established the National Committee for the Protection, Conservation and Sustainable Management of Sea Turtles, a permanent body that will seek to coordinate inter-institutional actions, provide technical advice and promote multi-sectoral participation to boost the conservation of these species in the country. 

The meeting was chaired by Digna Barsallo, National Director of Coasts and Seas at MiAMBIENTE, who emphasized that the formation of the committee represents a key step in the implementation of Law 371 of 2023, which establishes the protection of sea turtles and their habitats, the National Action Plan for the Conservation of Sea Turtles, and compliance with the international commitments assumed by Panama.

“Today we are taking a very important step by formally establishing this committee, which will be a permanent forum for coordination, technical advice, and institutional work to promote the conservation of sea turtles in Panama,” Barsallo stated.  The first session established the guidelines for drafting the internal regulations that will govern its operation.

This mechanism is designed to be participatory, transparent, and inclusive, with the possibility of adding new stakeholders. MiAMBIENTE also presented key tools such as the updated National Marine Turtle Monitoring Plan, a new standardized form, and the development of the National Monitoring System.  During the meeting, priority threats to these species were also addressed, such as the impact of light pollution on nesting beaches, vehicle traffic on the coasts, and the increasing presence of dogs and coyotes—factors that affect females, nests, and hatchlings.

With the establishment of this body, Panama is moving toward coordinated governance among public institutions, civil society, academia, and productive sectors to guarantee the protection of sea turtles in compliance with the current legal framework.  The committee is made up of representatives from FUNDAT, PROMAR, the Panatortugas Network, FEPACOIBA, CRECOBIAN, the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP), the Panama Aquatic Resources Authority (ARAP), the Ministry of Education (MEDUCA), the National Customs Authority (ANA), the National Coordinator of Indigenous Peoples of Panama (COONAPIP) and MiAMBIENTE.