Supporting Indigenous Stewardship in the Darién Rainforest
Since 2008, BARCA has partnered with the Embera Wounaan people to strengthen Indigenous-led forest stewardship and develop pathways for long-term socio-economic resilience in the Darién rainforest.
Project Details
Location: Darién Province, Panama (Embera Wounaan Comarca, bordering Colombia)
Client / Partners: Congreso General Embera Wounaan, Ne-Drua initiative, BARCA (Panama), Brinkman
Project Type: Indigenous-led sustainable forest management, community economic development
Scale: 175,000 hectares under Sustainable Forest Management Plans within a 430,000-hectare territory, 95% of which remains pristine rainforest
Project Overview
The Embera and Wounaan are the third largest Indigenous group in Panama, with a Comarca (territory) spanning 430,000 hectares of rainforest along the border with Colombia. More than 95% of this land remains pristine jungle, representing both immense ecological value and the foundation of community well-being. In 2009, the Congreso General Embera Wounaan created Ne-Drua (“Land of Richness”), an economic development initiative designed to generate opportunities for future generations. BARCA supported the Congreso General in establishing Ne-Drua and has worked alongside it ever since to build capacity and develop business ideas for mid- and long-term investment aligned with Embera Wounaan priorities.
Impact at a Glance
- 10 Sustainable Forest Management Plans developed with local communities
- 175,000 hectares under active management
- 95% of territory remains pristine rainforest
- Establishment of Ne-Drua, an economic development initiative of the Congreso General Embera Wounaan
- Strengthened Indigenous-led capacity for long-term socio-economic development
Community-Led Forest Management
Our work with the Congreso General focuses on establishing Ne-Drua as a community-led initiative. This includes supporting the design and implementation of Sustainable Forest Management Plans, strengthening community capacity in governance, forest management, and investment planning, and aligning efforts with the Congreso General’s long-term socio-economic development goals.
BARCA’s role has focused on providing technical support for community-led forest management. This includes assisting with forest inventories, mapping, and planning, as well as delivering training to strengthen community governance structures. All initiatives are carried out under the direction of the Congreso General to ensure alignment with traditional authority and local priorities.
Outcomes
This partnership has helped strengthen Indigenous governance and establish Ne-Drua as a foundation for long-term economic development. By supporting the Embera Wounaan in developing and implementing Sustainable Forest Management Plans across 175,000 hectares, BARCA has contributed to the protection of one of Central America’s most intact rainforests while advancing community-led development pathways.
