AES Panamá Foundation Celebrates International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem with Reforestation Activity on Isla Galeta, Colón

July 26, 2024

In honor of the "International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem," the AES Panamá Foundation participated in a significant reforestation activity organized by Wetlands International on Isla Galeta, Colón. This event, held last Friday, brought together students, volunteers, and collaborators dedicated to the conservation of mangroves, a crucial ecosystem for coastal health and biodiversity

The activity featured the participation of 17 students from "La Represa" School in Colón, who are part of the "Mangrove Defenders" Program, a community environmental education initiative supported by the AES Panamá Foundation. This program aims to raise awareness and sensitivity towards the environment, focusing on the protection of mangroves. Through this initiative, a total of 100 children—40 from Coclé and 60 from Colón—receive education on the importance of these ecosystems and the opportunity to actively engage in their preservation.

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During the event, students not only received theoretical training about the role and value of mangroves but also actively participated in the replanting of mangroves, directly contributing to the restoration of this vital habitat. This hands-on experience allowed young participants to understand the importance of reforestation and the critical role mangroves play in coastal protection and climate change mitigation.

The reforestation activity was further enriched by the involvement of volunteers from the European Union team in Panama, along with volunteer collaborators from AES Panamá, who worked side by side with the students in the restoration efforts. This inter-institutional collaboration highlights the power of joint efforts in creating a positive environmental impact.

The reforestation of mangroves on Isla Galeta underscored the ongoing commitment of the AES Panamá Foundation and other organizations to the protection and restoration of these ecosystems. Mangroves not only provide critical habitat for many species but also act as natural barriers against coastal erosion, contributing to ecological balance and the well-being of local communities.