EDUCATION
Spider Monkey School Initiative
Since 2010 we have been reaching out to local elementary schools closest to Azuero spider monkey habitat and their surrounding communities. We now work with students in 15 schools in 5 districts to explore the importance of spider monkeys in the local environment, the dangers these animals face from hunting, development, and deforestation, the uniqueness of the dry forest ecosystem, and how reforestation can increase farm productivity.
Educating the younger generation while fostering a relationship between the Foundation and the communities that are interested in reforesting their land.
Raise awareness in the community about the importance of restoring watersheds and the role of reforestation in improving water quality, increasing habitat connectivity and diversifying the production of rural farms.
Increase awareness and critical analysis of environmental problems in order to transform future landowners into protectors of the environment.
PRO ECO
KIDS
In 2010, we formed a program called Pro Eco Kids, a group of 5-12-year-old youth environmental leaders that meets weekly at our office in Pedasi to discover the importance of environmental conservation through fun and hands-on experiences. In the past the Pro Eco Kids have explored topics such as waste/recycling, biodiversity, the science and importance of plants, sea turtles, and respect for nature. Some Pro Eco Kids activities include planting in the garden, promotion of reusable bags to town residents, participation in the 2012 Pedasi Local Parade, visits to local protected areas and farms, and exciting guests from the community to engage the kids through their passion for different aspects of conservation and environmental issues.
AZUERO ECO YOUTH CLUB
The Azuero Eco Youth club is a group of high school and college-aged environmental leaders who want to learn about the importance of reforestation and caring for nature. This group takes trips to local preserved areas, leads local clean-up efforts, plants organic gardens and mangroves, and participates in local environmental events. These kids participating in this youth club are becoming the Environmental leaders of the region.