This giving season, we are raising $60,000 to support Indigenous communities in Panama to protect their territories, culture and livelihoods. Every dollar you give, is matched by two generous donors up to the combined $60K goal.  

We are humbled by the Giving Tuesday show of support. That one day, 42 generous supporters helped us meet the Giving Tuesday challenge and raised $15,650. Thank you!  Please join them in supporting Indigenous-led conservation. 

Wounaan report, on average, 50 hectares of their territory invaded and deforested by loggers and ranchers each year. Roads are being cut deeper into Darien and the Maje Mountains, making it easier to steal their lands and natural resources. At the same time, mainstream models of education, environmental conservation and economic development undervalue their traditional knowledge and collective values, leading to loss of language and culture and undercutting their sustainable livelihoods. The future of Indigenous communities in Panama is threatened by separation from their land, and by development that perpetuates colonization, assimilation and natural resource extraction. 

Indigenous partners want to protect their lands, and to see their language, culture, and values survive. So do we.

Native Future works directly with Indigenous communities and organizations so that initiatives are designed and managed by them, and wholistic. We support Indigenous partners to defend their territories, revitalize their language and culture and restore the biodiversity important to their way of life.

You can help. Every dollar you donate by December 31 raises another up to the goal. Please take action today to support Indigenous conservation and help Wounaan communities protect the rainforest that they are deeply connected to.  

Your donation builds Indigenous capacity to: 

Protect 350,000 acres of tropical forests. In the last three years, Wounaan territorial monitors have reported 146 hectares of deforestation to Panama's environmental authorities resulting in 21 citations, 11 fines, 10 criminal investigations, and in one case, imprisonment. 

Restore biodiversity. Since 2018, Wounaan communities have planted 20,000 trees to restore their degraded forests with native species. Next, they aim to diversify the types of trees they plant to strengthen cultural practices and sustainable livelihoods.

Revitalize their language and culture. Program participants are documenting and passing down traditional knowledge about the biodiversity and ecosystems around them in tree planting workshops and guides, fire management workshops, interpretative trail guides and other materials in their native language. 

Strengthen sustainable livelihoods. Puerto Lara, Rio Hondo and Rio Platanares are launching birdwatching and ecotours in their communities showing visitors the conservation they have practiced for generations. Income from nature guiding and the sale of their artesania to visitors, helps Wounaan protect their territories and biodiversity. Your donation teaches English to bird guides and strengthens their skills.

Your support has a positive and exponential impact on Indigenous capacity to protect their biodiversity, cultural heritage and Indigenous rights. 

Thank you for giving generously today!

Prefer to donate by mail? 
Send a check to: Native Future, 34 Taylor Street, Portland  ME 04102

Left: Wounaan territory Right: Territory just outside Wounaan boundaries.  Photos by Scott Hecker.

The community of Rio Platanares surrounded by lush, biodiverse ecosystems.