César has over 10 years of experience in regenerative agriculture, with extensive expertise in training and empowering rural communities to adopt sustainable agricultural practices. He specializes in designing and implementing tailored reforestation and landscape restoration plans that integrate ecological, social, and productive goals. Throughout his career, he has led conservation and land regeneration projects, strengthened community nurseries and seed banks, and promoted active participation of local communities in protecting ecosystems.

His training includes the Tropical Forest Landscapes: Conservation, Restoration & Sustainable Use program from the Yale School of the Environment / Environmental Leadership & Training Initiative (ELTI); certification in Community Forest Nursery and Seed Bank Management and Forest Resource Management from CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center); Train-the-Trainers in Regenerative Agriculture, Organic Agriculture, and Syntropic Agriculture from the University for International Cooperation; and a Forest Technician qualification. He combines science and traditional knowledge to restore ecosystems, improve soil health, and create sustainable economic benefits for local communities.

Roxana García joined Fundación Pro Eco Azuero in 2019 and has grown within the organization into her current role as Programs Supervisor. She holds a degree in Environmental Biology from the University of Panama and brings extensive experience in conservation, ecological restoration, environmental education, and community-based initiatives across the Azuero Peninsula. Roxana ensures that activities are effectively coordinated and delivered across the region, monitoring reforestation projects, supporting community nurseries and seed banks, coordinating watershed initiatives, and leading environmental education programs. She also manages the organization’s volunteer program of more than 1,200 volunteers each year to support conservation efforts. 

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With her deep knowledge of Pro Eco Azuero and years of experience working directly with rural communities, Roxana plays a central role in connecting the organization’s fieldwork, people, and programs. She has also collaborated with national and international researchers on biodiversity monitoring, natural regeneration, and ecological restoration strategies.

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Beyond her work in conservation, Roxana is well known throughout Los Santos for her involvement in cultural events that celebrate the region’s traditions and heritage, a perspective she brings to her work at Pro Eco Azuero.

Cinthia Samaniego, originally from Herrera, is an Environmental Biologist and has been part of Pro Eco Azuero since 2022. Known affectionately as “La Maestra” of Pro Eco Azuero,” Cinthia is a driving force behind the organization’s environmental education programs and its work with children and youth across the Azuero Peninsula.

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Cinthia leads Pro Eco Azuero’s flagship Spider Monkey School Initiative, an environmental education program that she helped expand from 20 rural to 40, reaching more than 3,000 children each year. She also leads Pro Eco Pelaos, a weekly environmental leadership program that brings together 20–30 children from Pedasí, providing them with hands-on learning experiences and empowering them to become environmental leaders in their communities. Cinthia also coordinates the organization’s summer camps for children, creating opportunities for young people to learn about nature, conservation, and the Azuero landscape through experiential education.

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Passionate about the connection between education and conservation, Cinthia believes that inspiring children is one of the most powerful ways to create long-term environmental change. Her creativity, empathy, and commitment have made her a beloved educator among the children and communities we work with—and an essential part of Pro Eco Azuero’s mission to nurture the next generation of environmental stewards

A proud native of Los Santos, Leonardo Vega joined Pro Eco Azuero driven by his deep appreciation for the natural landscapes and biodiversity of his home province. Since joining the organization, his dedication, field experience, and commitment to community-based restoration have led him to grow into the role of Reforestation Assistant, where he works closely alongside our Director of Reforestation, Cesar Zambrano, supporting the planning and implementation of our restoration efforts across the Azuero Peninsula.

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Leonardo is passionate about restoring forests while working hand in hand with the communities that care for and depend on these landscapes. He believes that meaningful conservation is built through local participation, knowledge, and long-term commitment.​ He is currently pursuing his studies to become a licensed Forest Technician (Técnico Forestal Idóneo) in Panama, further strengthening the technical knowledge and skills he brings to Pro Eco Azuero’s growing reforestation program.

Originally from Herrera, he has more than 15 years of experience in reforestation in the province of Los Santos. Jairo is  passionate about the environment and forests of Azuero. He started Fundación Pro Eco Azuero in 2012.  Additionally, Jairo is in charge of collecting seeds and producing seedlings of native and fruit species for our reforestation. Previously, he worked at PRORENA (a Smithsonian project for reforestation with native species) as Plantation Manager in the province of Los Santos. Jairo has extensive knowledge of the Azuero tropical dry forest, its species and biodiversity, especially primates. 

Meet Jose, the newest force powering Equipo Mono. With over five years of hands-on experience, he brings both skill and fresh perspective to the team. Currently diving deep into political science, Jose is driven by curiosity and a desire to create meaningful impact.​

A proud native of Herrera, his roots fuel his purpose. He’s not just passionate about his work, he believes in it. For Jose, every effort is a step toward a better future, not just for himself and the generations to come, but for the planet as a whole. 

Fernando Sánchez is a Forest Engineer from the Technological University of Panama (UTP) with experience in sustainable forest management and reforestation. He completed his professional internship at the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), focusing on commercial forest plantations. He later managed an FSC-certified teak plantation in Darién. He currently serves as a Forest Engineer for Pro Eco Azuero and other forestry organizations. He is passionate about native species reforestation, forest restoration, and agroecological projects that promote biodiversity and sustainable production.

Massiel Frías Vega is a native of the Los Santos province, hailing from the foothills of Cerro Canajagua. She holds a degree in Accounting and is a professional dedicated to strengthening initiatives focused on sustainable development and the conservation of the Azuero region's natural heritage. In her professional capacity, she contributes her knowledge and experience in accounting and administration with a strong sense of responsibility, transparency, and institutional commitment. As part of the Pro Eco Azuero Foundation, she reaffirms her commitment to using her expertise to help develop projects that create value for the community and bolster the protection and conservation of the natural environment for present and future generations.

Raphaela (Raphi) Gold graduated from Princeton University in 2026 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and minors in Environmental Studies and Journalism. She was a reforestation intern with Pro Eco in the summer of 2024 and loved it so much that she had to return. She is eager to bring her climate organizing and narrative journalism background back to the Equipo Mono. In her role, she supports local initiatives aimed at environmental education and sustainable livelihoods, while contributing to broader organizational strategy through creative storytelling.  

A proud native of Pedasí, Karen plays an essential role in maintaining the warmth and organization of "Casa Pasa," the heart of our community space. With her welcoming presence and attention to detail, she helps ensure that the environment remains clean, comfortable, and inviting for staff, volunteers, and visitors alike. Her dedication helps create a home-like atmosphere that reflects the values of collaboration and care central to our work.