Indigenous Wounaan communities are taking action to protect hundreds of thousands of acres of tropical forests in Panama, and the biodiversity that is important to their way of life. Their traditional lands comprise some of the most intact ecosystems in Panama and the Americas, but the remnants of forest that define Wounaan territories are subject to deforestation by cattle ranchers, and are increasingly targeted by loggers looking for prized tropical hardwoods.

Who are the Wounaan? What actions they are taking and why? Join Native Future’s Executive Director, Marsha Kellogg, and Biome Director of Conservation, Scott Hecker, as we explore these questions and learn about their partnership with the Wounaan people.

7 to 8 p.m. at the Harris Center. Space is limited, and registration is required. For more information, including questions about accessibility, contact Susie Spikol.

About Marsha Kellogg

Marsha Kellogg has led Native Future for the last ten years, working directly with Wounaan communities and leadership to design and fund strategies to secure their land rights, protect and restore their biodiversity, and revitalize their traditional knowledge and way of life. Marsha’s experience in Panama began 30 years ago, when she served there as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Over the subsequent decades, Marsha supported conservation initiatives with Indigenous peoples and local communities throughout the Americas and in West Africa.

About Scott Hecker

Scott is the Director of Conservation for Biome (formerly the International Conservation Fund of Canada). Scott works with Biome leadership to inform decision-making on the selection of work abroad by visiting field partners in over 30 countries, working collaboratively with funders, and documenting the successes of this work.