Join The Explorers Club on the Monday after ECAD Weekend for a presentation given by this year’s New Explorer Award recipient: marine conservation biologist and Rights of Nature advocate Callie Veelenturf.
Visionary marine conservation biologist Callie Veelenturf goes where many scientists are not willing to go: the intersection of field science and national and international policy. Callie inspires and influences high-impact conservation measures using collaborative scientific research initiatives, with a special focus on connecting indigenous and marginalized communities with government agencies to propose and achieve paramount environmental protections and advancements in the global recognition of the intrinsic Rights of Nature.
Callie founded and leads the non-profit research and conservation organization, The Leatherback Project, where she works for the conservation of leatherbacks and other threatened marine species and their habitat. Through The Leatherback Project she has trained thousands of Panamanian Army and Navy soldiers in the recognition of illegal sea turtle products; identified new to science sea turtle nesting and foraging sites; and started the first long-term sea turtle monitoring program in Armila, together with the Guna People.
She has spearheaded groundbreaking conservation proposals and laws in Panama including a new National Wildlife Refuge proposal; Law 287 recognizing the Rights of Nature; and Article 29 of Law 371 that recognizes sea turtles as legal entities with specific rights.
Callie aspires to lead and empower other public citizens to use their voices to advocate for the intrinsic Rights of Nature. Callie is a National Geographic Explorer, Scientist with the United Nations Harmony with Nature Programme, a Fellow and United Nations Youth Representative of The Explorers Club, and a United Nations Development Programme Ocean Innovator.
RESERVATIONS
This will be an in-person presentation at Explorers Club Headquarters.
In-person tickets are $15 for Members, and $30 for the General Public.
Check-in will begin at 6:00 pm, with a beer and wine reception from 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Callie Veelenturf
Callie is a leading marine conservation biologist and voice for nature who inspires and influences high-impact conservation measures using collaborative scientific research initiatives. Callie has a special focus on marine turtles and ecosystems, and works to connect indigenous and marginalized communities with government agencies to propose and achieve paramount environmental protections and advancements in the global recognition of the intrinsic Rights of Nature.
New Explorer Award Spotlight
