In 2011, a small group of Panamanians began to notice that the beaches on the Pacific coast looked different. Marine life seemed to be slowly disappearing. The turtles that had come for generations to lay their eggs on the sand were now rarely seen. A group from the community was trying to protect them and the biodiversity that was disappearing before their eyes
By Lorena Alba
“We felt the need to create something different, something that could protect the environment and also help our communities,” the founders recall. Taking care of nature is not only about preserving it, but also about giving people the opportunity to live with dignity and balance. From that concern, Fundación Agua y Tierra, an organization committed to nature conservation and marine turtle care in Panama, was created.
One of their most important initiatives is their sea turtle monitoring and protection program. Every year, they manage to release around 15,000 baby turtles from endangered species, including the green turtle, hawksbill, olive ridley, and leatherback.
Imagining a tiny turtle making its way to the ocean after being rescued is not just a beautiful scene; it is the result of many long nights of work and care. Those who have taken part say the experience changes the way they see the world.
They also run environmental education programs for students from nearby communities. Through talks and learning activities, young people discover the value of their environment and develop a stronger sense of pride and belonging to their home.
In addition, the foundation, together with Eco Tortu Foundation and other local partners, promotes community-based ecotourism as an economic alternative for local families who have chosen to support conservation. Many of these projects are led by women who have found in nature a new source of independence and purpose.
Transforming coastal areas
Panama faces complex environmental challenges, such as construction along coastal areas that threaten ecosystems, limit access to beaches, and affect turtle nesting sites due to climate change.
In response to this situation, Fundación Agua y Tierra works closely with local communities, providing education and strengthening their ability to adapt. The foundation also supports initiatives that prevent the misuse of natural spaces and promote respect and responsible use of resources.
Their work contributed to drafting a law for the protection and conservation of sea turtles in Panama. With the support of the national network Panatortugas and other partners, this led to the creation of Law 371 on March 1, 2023, establishing the protection of sea turtles and their habitats in Panama. This achievement is the result of years of effort and dialogue, showing that lasting change begins when people come together.
Real Change in People’s Lives
The organization has transformed the lives of many local residents by creating new opportunities in coastal areas. Over the years, they have supported families who previously had limited opportunities, providing them with tools to start small businesses, receive training, and care for their environment at the same time.
In the past six years, they have directly reached around 300 people and indirectly impacted more than 1,800, strengthening the local economy and sense of community. Many of these stories involve women who have found in conservation and rural tourism a way to grow, support their families, and reconnect with nature.
On the environmental side, their impact can be seen on every beach: thousands of turtles return to the sea each year thanks to the constant work of those protecting the nests and guiding each release. One of the most beautiful programs born from this work is the Eco Ruta Tortuga, a community tourism project connecting the communities of Mata Oscura, Rusia de Quebro, Higuenoso, and Loma de Quebro.
Diego Ábrego, a community leader from Playa Mata Oscura, explains it simply. “My experience with the foundation has been transformative. This project brought an environmental education program to our community that, for the first time, involved young people in sea turtle conservation. Today, they participate actively, and that has strengthened our bonds. Seeing how habits change and respect for nature grows fills me with pride. Being part of this group has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”
It is clear that the future depends on the new generations. That is why the foundation promotes youth participation through Eco Clubes, training spaces, and activities focused on issues like marine litter and water conservation. The goal is to develop local leaders, people capable of protecting their environment through knowledge and by setting an example.
Currently, the organization has 15 active members, including volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to different areas of work. Although their base is in Veraguas, the educational initiatives and community gatherings have expanded to other provinces, spreading their message of respect and connection with the land and the sea.
A lesson for everyone
Fundación Agua y Tierra reminds us of something essential: nature does not need heroes, it needs respect. Their work seeks to inspire a deep change in the way we live, promoting sustainable actions that come from awareness, showing that taking care of the planet is also taking care of ourselves.
How to help?
If you want to learn more about the organization, you can contact them through their website or Instagram profile, as well as join their community-based ecotourism and marine turtle care projects in Panama.
