Saboga Wildlife Refuge created to protect our Marine-Coastal Heritage

▪The creation of the Saboga Wildlife Refuge responds to the need to protect several important species of birds, including the Blue-footed Booby, cetaceans (whales and dolphins), sharks, as well as various species of sea turtles in danger of extinction.

▪With the creation of the Saboga Wildlife Refuge, Panama is a World Blue Leader, with more than 54% of its marine protected areas.

Panama, September 20, 2024 – 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 town of Saboga, in the Gulf of Panama, covers an area of ​​83.01 square kilometers and is home to 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 Saboga Boa (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), the National Aeronaval Service (SENAN), the Sea Turtle 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 awakened a 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 La Bahía encantada.”

Marino Abrego, biologist and National Deputy Director of Coasts and Seas of the Ministry of Environment, emphasized the relevance 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 explained 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.

The field research carried out by The Leatherback Project, in collaboration with MiAMBIENTE and the Saboga community, has been essential to establish the importance of the refuge. To date, more than 140 turtles (110 Hawksbill and 30 Green) have been tagged and 26 satellite transmitters have been installed to monitor their behavior.

The creation of the refuge promotes the protection of wildlife and encourages community participation in conservation projects, boosting ecotourism and sustainable development on the island and its surroundings.