Since 2022, Panama has legally recognized the Rights of Nature establishing that ecosystems have the right to exist, persist, regenerate, and maintain their life cycles, but what does this mean in the face of projects that could impact natural ecosystems? The existence of a law alone does not guarantee the protection of nature. Rights need people who are able to know them, defend them, and demand their enforcement.

Puerto Barú and the David Mangroves: a case to understand these rights

The project Puerto Barú, proposed in the area of ​​the David’s Mangroves includes port infrastructure and dredging activities. Independent studies have warned of potential impacts associated with construction and dredging on mangroves, including their capacity to store carbon, protect coastlines, and support biodiversity.

Puerto Barú, therefore, raises a legal and environmental question regarding a specific territory, and it is how are the Rights of Nature defended in practice?

Leaders for Nature: From Knowledge to Action

That question is at the heart of Leaders for Nature, a training program of Rights of Nature, advocacy and defense of ecosystems.

The proposal originates in Panama, but it looks to the world. Because environmental challenges transcend borders, and the experiences of different territories can provide tools for local action.

The program aims to reach young people between 18 and 35 years old can learn to:

• Understanding the Rights of Nature
• learn about environmental impact tools
• explore real-world experiences in territorial defense
• to better understand marine-coastal ecosystems
• transforming knowledge into concrete actions

You don’t need to study law, biology, or environmental science. What’s important is wanting to learn and being part of the defense of nature.

Think globally, act locally

In Panama,50 young people, 25 in Chiriquí and 25 in Panama City will participate in the training process. An international dimension will also be added, with two online sessions open to young people from different parts of the world.

These 2 international sessions will explore how the global movement for the Rights of Nature has grown, from its roots and worldviews to concrete experiences developed in different countries. In addition to obtaining tools to move from recognition to advocacy: how to use the Rights of Nature to strengthen advocacy and protect ecosystems and territories.

From Panama to the world: a new generation of environmental leaders

Leaders for Nature is part of a broader vision of The Oxygen Project, which is to strengthen capabilities and connect a new generation of people committed to environmental advocacy.

The Oxygen Project has built a global network that brings together more than 1,100 leaders in 66 countries…linking education, collaboration, and environmental action. Now, Panama becomes one of the territories from which to continue building that movement.

Because cases like Puerto Barú and the David Mangroves show that the Rights of Nature cannot remain merely written in a law but need people who know how to turn them into tools to protect ecosystems.

Nominate Nature Leaders

If you are between 18 and 35 years old and you want to learn about the Rights of Nature, environmental advocacy, and ecosystem defense, you can be part of this new generation of leaders.

Applications open until October 2, 2026.

Leaders for Nature is an initiative of The Oxygen Project (TOP) in collaboration with 5 Gatos Panama and Sustainable Ocean Alliance Panama (SOA).

Learn from Panama. Connect with the world. Act from our territories.

Apply here LINK