Mongabay · Climate & nature

Indigenous Communities in Panama Pilot Biodiversity Monitoring for Conservation Funding

Four Indigenous Wounaan and Emberá-Wounaan villages in Panama's Darién forest are using biodiversity monitoring to document their forests and seek funding for conservation.

The project, covering 18,000 hectares, recorded over 200 species, including jaguars, Baird's tapirs, and crested eagles. At least 15 documented species are classified as threatened.

This data serves as a baseline for the communities to enter the biodiversity credit market, aiming to generate revenue in an area with limited economic opportunities.

The monitoring employs bioacoustic devices and camera traps, supported by NGOs FSC Indigenous Foundation and Health In Harmony. A methodology by Savimbo, a biodiversity credit company, uses 15 indicator species to assess forest health.

Community members report that these conservation efforts have already influenced local behavior, with some villages implementing 'No Hunting' signs.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.