There are many conservation organizations and several that work for sea turtles. There is none that focuses on the critically endangered leatherback turtle. In addition, most conservation organizations are top heavy with bureaucracy, large staffs, buildings, and other trappings of large organizations. Many such organizations spend almost as much effort promoting themselves as saving endangered species.

The Leatherback Trust is different:

• It is focused on concrete actions to save the turtles where they live and reproduce.
• It does not have a large administration tail, it has no headquarters to support, and does not engage in litigation.
• It does support scientists and students on the beach.
• It does support the training and education of people in the countries where turtles live.
• It makes a difference in the local communities that are asked to make a sacrifice to protect the turtles. Conservation only works if supported by local residents. If they do not have enough to eat, a decent place to live and hope for their children then they won't worry much about the turtles that come to their beaches to lay eggs. Therefore, the scientists and members of the Leatherback Trust work with and help educate local peoples who live near the nesting beaches year round.
• The Leatherback Trust also supports the education of the next generation of sea turtle biologists and conservationists.
• Finally, it also educates and informs the general public and decision-makers about the plight of leatherback and other sea turtles and of actions that can be taken to protect and enhance these magnificent creatures.