| Private reserves have been established in Panama thanks to a group of land owners who understand the value of conserving their forests.
We need to wake up to the need to promote the development of more private reserves in support of sustainable nature tourism.
Our Continent’s National Parks depend on large tracts of neighboring land left in its natural state, such as private reserves, to connect them together and re-establish an unbroken chain of forest to complete the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor; a kind of natural highway that many species have used for thousands of years for their migrations between North and South America.
If Panama is to be part of this network of private reserves, we need to regenerate our forests – says Alfonso Jaén, owner of the El Remiendo, Vaquilla and Posada Cerro La Vieja private reserves.
We believe that the only way that a real biological corridor can be established through the Americas is for the owners of private forests in the region to commit to join these protected areas and to have the desire to look after them – states the environmentalist.
Many private reserves, such as Posada Cerro La Vieja, San José island, Sierra Llorona or Burbayar Lodge, have taken the lead in welcoming eco tourists, bird watchers and nature lovers, establishing tourism activities that are environmentally friendly.
It is really amazing that, so close to the city, you can experience a nature reserve where toucans come to within 5 meters of your house, and where you wake to the organ-like song of golden orioles. This is absolutely priceless. And speaking frankly, if we Panamanians do not learn to appreciate our reserves, it will be hard for us to sell them to visitors. First of all we have to realize what we have and what it is worth, so we can go out and sell it – Jaén concludes.
Key facts
Opportunity
Anyone with more than 3 hectares of land can become a member of the network and join the visionaries who believe that keeping nature intact can also be good business.
A natural destination
Private reserves are an excellent alternative for tourists who come to Panama looking for an experience of nature that is authentic and still in one piece.
Millionaire
Nature tourism is the fastest growing tourist segment in the world, creating millions of dollars in revenues, as well as helping protect water resources.
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