The Embera-Wounaan, guardians of a unique natural heritage
The Embera-Wounaan, Panama’s ancestral indigenous people, live in the heart of over a million hectares of primary forest, including the Darién, one of the last large intact forests in Central America. This territory, a true hotspot of global biodiversity, is home to many endangered species and plays an essential role in climate regulation.
An endangered ecosystem, a threatened community
Faced with rampant deforestation, these populations, who have always been the first defenders of these ecosystems, now see their livelihoods and culture threatened. Protecting this forest means preserving an invaluable ecological and human heritage.
A large-scale restoration project
With our local partners, we are launching an ambitious project to restore and protect 200,000 hectares of:
–Reforest 20,000 hectares with endemic and rare species
– Plant 2 million trees and plant species
– Preserve 181,000 hectares of old-growth forest
–Restoring access to drinking water for all Embera-Wounaan villages
–Create hundreds of sustainable jobs for the community
A local and global impact against climate change
Based on a vision shared by the Embera-Wounaan people, the project combines conservation, economic development and climate resilience. It combats deforestation, protects biodiversity and improves living conditions for local populations.