The Ministry of Environment (MiAMBIENTE) of Panama has launched the National Plan for the Conservation of Marine Turtles 2026. This plan, developed within the project to strengthen the protection and sustainable management of coastal biodiversity, is a comprehensive approach to the conservation of these species. The initiative aims to consolidate governance mechanisms through the creation of a national committee, updating diagnostics, and strengthening the current regulatory framework. Minister of Environment Juan Carlos Navarro emphasized that the protection of marine turtles is a priority for the National Government. In 2025, over 340,000 marine turtles were released, and the new plan aims to ensure the continuity of these efforts. The plan covers 21 nesting beaches nationwide and integrates scientific monitoring, community participation, and environmental education programs. The plan's structure is divided into six fundamental axes covering the entire conservation cycle, with a focus on active surveillance to reduce critical threats such as pollution and illegal fishing in breeding habitats. The social component is a key piece of the plan, promoting the participation of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), NGOs, and the private sector in activities such as night monitoring, nest control, and thermal measurement and hatchery rehabilitation.
