The 2026 Turtle Fair in Mata Oscura

On September 18th, 19th, and 20th, Panama’s Feria de Tortuga will be held in Mata Oscuro, organized by Fundación Tierra y Agua to raise awareness of sea turtle conservation in Panama.

Mata Oscura in the Mariato district of Veraguas, Panama, has become a leading area for sea turtle conservation in Panama. The organization Fundación Tierra y Agua is at the heart of this movement. This September 18th - 20th, the Turtle Fair will engage with the local community for a release of baby sea turtles, along with talks and workshops promoting conservation and conversations. 

2026 has brought some good news for sea turtles in Panama: reports of the return of the Leatherback species, and more conservation groups helping relocate nests to safe areas in places like Punta Chame, Playa Venao and Cambutal. These are among the areas in Panama that make up the vital nesting sites in Panama. 

There are many contributing factors to the success of hatching baby turtles; everything matters, from the temperature of the sand, which plays a vital role in determining the sex of the hatchlings, to the beach’s strategic location, where light and noise pollution can disorient adult turtles and hatchlings as they make their way to the sea.

By raising awareness about the importance of maintaining these habitats with events like the Turtle Fair 2026 in Panama, groups aim to encourage support from governments, tourists and the local population. Where development has already occurred, local organizations and volunteer groups are important for monitoring the beach, protecting or relocating nests from predators and human activities.

Environmental education is key for the preservation of all marine species. Participating in baby turtle releases has become a cherished tourist activity in Panama, allowing visitors to connect responsibly with nature and actively contribute to conservation efforts. : Cousteau famously stated that people only protect what they love, love what they understand, and understand what they are taught.

Areas like Mata Oscura are a great example of how sustainable tourism in Panama can support the protection of endangered species. By increasing the number of eggs that hatch and turtles that return to the sea they are participating in holding up these species while we figure out how to protect the habitats that will ensure their survival.

When you visit a place like this, it changes you a bit. You can no longer simply enjoy paradise without partaking it’s preservation.