Training Young Eco-Guides to Protect a Hidden Biodiversity Haven
Location: Pedasí, Azuero Peninsula, Panama
The Pablo Arturo Barrios Wildlife Refuge is a little-known but ecologically vital area, home to mangroves, marine life, coastal dunes, and the critically endangered Azuero spider monkey. As tourism grows in Pedasí, Pro Eco Azuero, a local conservation group, is launching a project to train and certify young people (aged 18–30) as eco-tour guides, raising awareness of the refuge while creating sustainable livelihoods.
Project Components
- Eco-Guide training, led by conservation and tourism experts
- Educational materials such as guidebooks, maps, and ID resources
- Equipment such as binoculars, uniforms, field guides
- Promotional materials for local hotels and operators
- Transport support or training and initial tours
Project Aims
- Create meaningful employment for rural youth
- Raise awareness of the refuge’s biodiversity
- Strengthen conservation through responsible tourism
- Position the refuge as a key eco-tourism site
Expected Outcomes
- 15 certified local eco-tour guides
- Community-led tour programme in place
- Increased visitation through tourism partnerships
- Greater local engagement in conservation
- Boosted community income from tourism
Why we are supporting this project – This is a powerful example of tourism driving conservation and community impact. Pro Eco Azuero’s strong local partnerships and sustainability focus, along with a donation-matching commitment from Panama’s Ministry of Environment, mean our support will have even greater reach.
For more information, please go to https://www.proecoazuero.org