In order to safeguard the rich biodiversity of ecosystems and species in a marine environment of great value, the Ministry of Environment (MiAMBIENTE) announced the creation of the Saboga Wildlife Refuge, formalized by Resolution No. DM-0361-2024, published in the Official Gazette on September 19, 2024.
This new protected area located in the district of Saboga, in the Gulf of Panama, covers an area of 83.01 square kilometers and houses an impressive variety of marine species, many of which are yet to be discovered and studied.
Historically, Saboga has been a crucial site for the reproduction of four species of sea turtles: the Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), the Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), the Leatherback turtle and the Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea). It is also identified as a breeding habitat for hammerhead sharks and humpback whales. The Boa Saboga (endemic to the area) is another of the conservation objects that is sought to be protected with the creation of this refuge.
This effort has been possible thanks to the collaboration between the local community, non-governmental organizations and government entities such as the Aquatic Resources Authority (ARAP), National Aeronaval Service (SENAN), and the Sea Turtles Foundation of Colombia, among others, thus reaffirming the country’s commitment to sustainability and the protection of wildlife.
Aida Magaña, a nautical engineer and Saboga native, as a community activist, recognized the great impact that this project has had on our island. The locals were unaware of the potential we had on the island. The children have shown great interest in conservation and care for the environment. We know that Saboga is home to many sea turtles and other species. We are grateful to all those who have worked on this research and the achievement obtained for our island of Saboga, the Enchanted Bay.”
Marino Abrego, a biologist and National Deputy Director of Coasts and Seas of the Ministry of the Environment, emphasized the importance of this initiative, indicating that “the refuge is a joint effort that seeks to protect emblematic and endangered species. The sustainable management of these resources will benefit both nature and the local population.”
For her part, Callie Veelenturf, National Geographic explorer, director of The Leatherback Project and leader of this initiative, said that, “as far as we know, the creation of the Saboga Wildlife Refuge is the first proactive implementation at the national level of Law 287 of February 24, 2022, which recognizes the rights of Nature, in Panama.”
Veelenturf said that this action is very important, as it shows the world an example of what respect for the intrinsic rights of nature looks like in practice: generating new protected areas to safeguard the healthy functioning of ecosystems and exemplify life in harmony with nature.
