CALLIE VEELENTURF

Callie Veelenturf is a marine conservation biologist (BSc, MSc) who works to span the space between science and policy to affect tangible change for Nature. Callie is a National Geographic Explorer and 2020 National Geographic Early Career Leader, a United Nations Youth Representative for The Explorer’s Club, and a Young Professional with the United Nations Harmony with Nature Programme. In 2020, Callie founded Rights for Nature, an international initiative dedicated to empowering everyday citizens, scientists, and governments alike to advocate for the Rights of Nature to exist, persist and regenerate her vital cycles. She has worked with an indiegnous community member, the Panamanian First Lady Yazmin Cortizo, and Senator Juan Diego Vasquez to propose a new law recognizing the Rights of Nature in the Republic of Panama. Her current efforts include working with local community members to advocate for the Rights of Nature internationally.