In Panama, scientists, lawyers and politicians are working together to dismantle current legal systems and popular mindsets about Nature. And, they’re collaborating to build it back better for the future of their country and the planet.

It all started with Callie Veelenturf, an American marine conservation biologist and National Geographic explorer. While studying sea turtles in Panama, she witnessed harmful practices such as plastic pollution and fishing bycatch harming the environment and the animals that live there. Because Nature’s rights had not been recognized, no causes of action could be brought and no help enlisted. Left without recourse to act on Nature’s behalf, Veelenturf “felt a sense of conviction that taking a rights-based approach to Nature conservation internationally could be the system change that we need to establish balance and harmony with Nature.”

In early 2020, she pitched her idea to Panama’s first lady and to Congressperson Juan Diego Vásquez Gutiérrez, the youngest member of the National Assembly. Both were eager to develop this new framework to protect Panama’s biodiversity and ecosystems.