Restore Azuero's Biodiversity with 100,000 Trees

2024: A Year of IMPACT!

As we close another impactful year, Pro Eco Azuero reflects on the achievements in advancing environmental conservation, community empowerment, and sustainable development in the Azuero Peninsula. Thanks to the invaluable support of our donors and allies, we reached significant milestones that reaffirm our commitment to the region.

With total funds received amounting to $300,120.95, strategically allocated across key areas of focus, we implemented projects that not only restore ecosystems but also transform lives.

Below is a summary of our greatest achievements and how we responsibly invested donor resources to maximize impact on our communities and the environment.

Total Funds: $189,331.05
Key Achievements:

• Planted tens of thousands of native trees, including over 60,000 trees of 85 different native and fruit species this year across six sites in the Azuero Peninsula. These trees not only contribute to restoring the habitat of the Azuero spider monkey but also enrich Azuero's biodiversity.
• Continued restoring degraded landscapes and establishing biodiversity corridors to protect and connect critical ecosystems.
• Implemented long-term monitoring systems, assigning GPS points to every tree planted, enabling us to track growth and impact over five years.
• Collaborated with rural community members for seedling production. These individuals were trained in seed collection, nursery establishment, and organic maintenance and were awarded contracts for seedling supply, promoting sustainable livelihoods while achieving reforestation goals.
• Worked closely with Azuero landowners to encourage the adoption of sustainable practices that contribute to soil regeneration and environmental conservation.
• Engaged over 700 volunteers this year from various local organizations, government bodies, and universities. Additionally, we welcomed more than 300 international student volunteers from organizations like the Future Sense Foundation (UK) and Global Glimpse (USA), who joined our reforestation and conservation efforts.

Through these actions, we continue to pave the way for a greener, more resilient future, restoring key ecosystems and strengthening community commitment to sustainability.

Total Funds: $25,027.00
Key Achievements:

• Conducted biodiversity studies to establish flora and fauna baselines in key conservation sites, providing crucial data to measure the impact of our restoration efforts.
• Supported the creation of wildlife bridges essential for protecting monkeys and promoting safe wildlife movement in biodiversity corridors.
• Partnered with scientific organizations to study soil health, species diversity, and the ecological impacts of restoration efforts, strengthening the scientific foundation of our work.
• Trained local youth in biodiversity monitoring techniques, fostering their active participation in conservation and their roles as future environmental stewards.

These initiatives are a crucial step toward preserving Azuero’s rich biodiversity, ensuring ecosystem connectivity, and protecting iconic species like the Azuero spider monkey.

Total Funds: $45,000.00
Key Achievements:

• Empowered over 50 micro-producers, primarily women, by establishing community-led nurseries and seed banks. These producers cultivate the forest and fruit seedlings needed for reforestation, generating sustainable income for their families and bolstering the rural economy.
• Trained women in regenerative agriculture practices, including sustainable agroforestry systems, to restore soil health and biodiversity while creating income-generating opportunities.
• Supported the Eco Artisans initiative, enhancing this group of women through contracts for crafting items for special events. They also participated in several environmental fairs, promoting conservation and economic empowerment through their products.
• Conducted workshops and training programs to foster environmental management and the adoption of sustainable practices in rural communities.
• Promoted citizen science activities, encouraging community participation in monitoring and conserving local natural resources, which increased environmental awareness and ownership of conservation strategies.
• Led and participated in several events within the Pablo Arturo Barrios Wildlife Refuge, raising awareness about its ecological importance and fostering conservation efforts among neighboring communities and visitors.
• Carried out a comprehensive socio-environmental survey to analyze the challenges identified by rural communities and explore alternative income-generating solutions based on nature.
• Partnered with a rural community to renew an ecological trail aimed at protecting a vital water source, strengthening its conservation and sustainable use.
• Continued developing a shared management plan for the Pablo Arturo Barrios Wildlife Refuge in Pedasí in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, ensuring effective and sustainable management of this protected area.

These actions reaffirm our commitment to working alongside rural communities to foster their leadership in environmental conservation, promote sustainable development, and secure a more resilient future for all.

Total Funds: $40,762.90
Key Achievements:

• Expanded the Spider Monkey School Initiative, engaging 32 schools and more than 2,700 students and their families in conservation education, fostering intergenerational commitment to the environment. This year’s program focused on water and trees, teaching children about forests, reforestation, soil, erosion, and water conservation.
• Included several schools in reforestation efforts during planting season, with students participating as volunteers to reinforce classroom learning. These hands-on experiences helped students connect directly with nature and understand the importance of their actions in restoring the environment.
• Organized two free nature-based summer camps for 32 local children, providing unique and accessible educational experiences.
• Strengthened partnerships with local schools and community groups to encourage the exchange of environmental knowledge across generations and promote sustainable actions.
• Launched creative educational programs, including storytelling events, school-led reforestation activities, and interactive lessons on biodiversity, water, and soil health.
• Continued the Pro Eco Pelaos program, a group of 10 to 15 local children who receive weekly nature and conservation training every Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., fostering their connection to the natural environment and their roles as future environmental leaders.

These initiatives have not only increased environmental awareness within communities but also integrated practical and theoretical education to inspire younger generations to become active defenders of biodiversity and sustainability in the Azuero Peninsula.

As Pro Eco Azuero celebrates its 15th anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a more resilient Azuero Peninsula by empowering rural women and youth and promoting sustainable environmental solutions. This milestone year highlights 15 years of daily work alongside communities, addressing environmental challenges and building a greener future.

With your continued support, we aim to achieve the following milestones in the coming year:

• Plant 100,000 trees to expand wildlife corridors and enhance biodiversity, while continuously measuring our impact through innovative technology and long-term monitoring systems.
• Strengthen partnerships with schools, local leaders, and scientific organizations to maximize the impact of our actions and foster stronger collaboration.
• Expand the Spider Monkey School Initiative to 50 schools in the region, implementing “Training of Trainers” workshops to equip local educators to lead conservation efforts in their communities.
• Empower more rural women by expanding regenerative agriculture initiatives, establishing more community nurseries and seed banks (targeting 10 nurseries), and developing sustainable business models that generate income while conserving natural resources.
• Broaden the reach of our environmental education programs to prepare the next generation to care for the planet, focusing on fostering environmental leadership and intergenerational knowledge exchange.
• Continue strengthening biodiversity monitoring and shared management plans for key protected areas like the Pablo Arturo Barrios Wildlife Refuge in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment.

This special year underscores our unwavering dedication to fostering resilience, building community capacities, and restoring the natural beauty of Azuero. Thank you for being part of our mission to create a greener and more sustainable future. Together, we are not only saving the planet but also empowering communities to thrive in harmony with it.