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Turtle power: Panama gives legal rights to sea turtles, protecting against pollution and poaching
Sea turtles have been given legal rights in Panama. - Copyright Canva
By Angela Symons with AP • Updated: 26/05/2023 - 11:04
Citizens can now be the voice of sea turtles and defend them legally in Panama.
A new law guarantees sea turtles in Panama the right to live and have free passage in a healthy environment.
It “will allow any Panamanian citizen to be the voice of sea turtles and defend them legally,” says Callie Veelenturf, who founded a group that works to protect leatherback turtles and pushed for the legislation.
“We will be able to hold governments, corporations and public citizens legally accountable for violations of the rights of sea turtles.”
Experts hope it's part of an evolution that will see other countries take similar steps to protect species under threat.
More:
https://www.euronews.com/green/2023/05/26/turtle-power-panama-gives-legal-rights-to-sea-turtles-protecting-against-pollution-and-poa
