The Issue:

Sea turtle populations and coastal ecosystems in southern Veraguas are declining due to human pressures, habitat degradation, pollution, and limited local conservation capacity. The root cause is that communities have historically depended on extractive activities because they lack sustainable livelihood opportunities tied to conservation. This has led to continued poaching of turtle nests, ecosystem degradation, and fragmented conservation efforts. The project addresses these underlying issues by creating regenerative, community-based tourism that provides alternative incomes, strengthens local conservation capacity, empowers women and youth as conservation leaders, and establishes a tourism fund that reinvests directly into biodiversity protection.

What are Measurable Outcomes Expected from the Funding of this Project?

• Protect more than 300 sea turtle nests annually across Playa Mata Oscura and Playa El Gato, with hatch rates above 85%.

• Increase community income by at least 20% through regenerative tourism and the Eco-Ruta Tortuga.

• Engage more than 200 community members (including at least 70% women and 50% youth) in conservation and tourism, increasing local capacity and participation.

• Establish a self-sustaining, community-led conservation model that is partially financed through local tourism revenue.

 What Would a Successful Project Result In?

More than 300 sea turtle nests are protected annually across two beaches with hatch rates above 85%, regenerative tourism generates sustainable income for local families, and a community-managed tourism fund provides long-term financing for sea turtle conservation.