He’s leading people into the rainforests of Panama to protect its biodiversity

Nestled in the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, Panama is a crucial region of biodiversity. A bridge between North and South America, it allows for the migration of species between the two continents. The preservation of this region is essential, and Dr Luis Ureña is answering the call with his organisation Panama Wildlife Conservation (PWCC).

“I have been travelling all over Panama and many other countries,” Ureña says. “During those travels we saw how the destruction of these habitats is happening.” Panama is under threat from climate change and animals are at risk of habitat loss. But during expeditions into this area with PWCC, people have the opportunity to contribute to ecotourism while learning about the country’s ecosystems. “We need to have more people involved in the protection of our planet,” Ureña says. These excursions have proven essential to the initiative’s work. On one expedition, they rediscovered endangered Harlequin frogs in Santa Fe National Park where they were previously thought to have disappeared. Their population is now being closely monitored by scientists and researchers, with their efforts supported by PWCC.

Other conservation strategies have been put in place for endangered and rare animals by Ureña and his team. They have played an important role in fostering peaceful coexistence between humans and jaguars that were once heavily poached, and bolstering community efforts in sea turtle conservation. 

PWCC is the first registered charity in England and Wales to collaborate with locals in the protection of Panama. Using donations from around the world to fund their organisation and the work of under-resourced initiatives, they are promoting the conservation of Panama’s fauna and flora. “It’s a tiny thing that we’re doing, but it’s helping,” Ureña says. By encouraging others to get involved, he’s ensuring the issues facing the natural world are being addressed in every corner of his country. 

Footage by Panama Wildlife Conservation was used in the creation of this film.