Darién

Darién is a true treasure of biodiversity and culture, a living mosaic where vast primary forests intertwine with the knowledge, traditions, and livelihoods of local and Indigenous communities. Home to emblematic and endangered species, including several macaws threatened both nationally and globally, this region is not only a critical biodiversity hotspot but also a cultural stronghold shaped by generations of people who depend on and care for the forest. Darién conserves some of the largest and best-preserved primary forests in the country, while sustaining diverse ways of life rooted in the land.

To promote bird and habitat conservation in this unique bio-cultural landscape, Fundación Avifauna develops three main lines of action that place both people and ecosystems at the center:

Community Tourism for Sustainable Development

Since 2005, Fundación Avifauna has trained members of local communities in Darién in environmental interpretation, birdwatching tourism, English, visitor services, and ecotourism management. We support the evaluation and design of birdwatching routes and provide technical assistance to strengthen community ventures. In addition, we generate job opportunities, facilitate the marketing of handicrafts, and, in alliance with local actors, have supported improvements such as access to drinking water and the promotion of products through our center.

These actions drive employment opportunities, the development of ecotourism initiatives, and improvements in quality of life, consolidating ecotourism as a sustainable economic alternative. Through strategic alliances between tour operators, environmental institutions, and communities, we strengthen Community-Based Organizations and promote green economy projects and the responsible management of natural resources.

Participatory Biodiversity Monitoring

Focused on the conservation of the great green macaw, this program integrates environmental education and community science to generate key information on biodiversity. Communities actively participate throughout the entire process—from awareness-building to training as local monitors. All actions are carried out under the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), recognizing and respecting local knowledge and territorial visions.

The project is led by Brais Marchena, a fellow of Panama’s National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (SENACYT) and member of the Fundación Avifauna scientific team. Marchena’s doctoral research explores the participatory use of emerging technologies to generate accessible, relevant, and low-cost scientific data that support conservation decision-making. Through this initiative, the foundation reaffirms its commitment to strengthening national capacities and fostering local leadership in knowledge production for conservation.

Collaboration with the Ministry of Environment

As part of its conservation commitment, the Ministry of Environment and Fundación Avifauna signed a ten-year cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening biodiversity and bird protection through scientific research, training, and technical assistance.

The agreement includes biodiversity monitoring, scientific information generation, capacity building for technical staff, and community training in environmental management. It also covers bird population monitoring and support for research and conservation strategy design to ensure the sustainable management of Darién National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.