azuero earth project 2012 year-end report: Mapping New Grounds letter from the president

Being a young and fast expanding organization full of energy and optimism, exploring new territory, I guess it only makes sense that every year we have grown in In 2012 we welcomed our first two PiLA (Princeton in unexpected ways and gained unexpected knowledge. Latin America) fellows, initiated research and study 2012 was, once again, a big year for AEP, and in this collaborations with an expanded group of universities, report you will read about the measurable achievements and strengthened bonds with local governmental which we are proud to present. But what we cannot offices, environmental groups, our community and our measure, and what I never expected would become such neighbors. With the loan of a neighboring property, a vital component of who we are and what we are doing, we planted an organic demonstration garden and is the network of wonderful people who have joined us, invited everyone in. Our library was full of students who have changed us, and who have been changed by us. from near and far. Our veranda, the best example of passive cooling in town, was constantly filled with We never knew it could take so long, but after much our international research students, volunteers, patient persistence on the part of our staff in Pedasí, in collaborating Peace Corps Volunteers, after school kids 2012 we finally received our Sucursal, or official status groups, and interested visitors. to operate in . This brought us the benefit of eligibility for membership in the Ciudad del Saber (City We are all learning, growing, and changing far more than of Knowledge), a community of NGO’s and foreign we expected. We are the environmental future. educational institutions, which not only gives us the right to unlimited work visas for our international staff, but has connected us to a huge community of likeminded organizations and collaborators.

— EDwina von gal Co-Founder and President letter from the chairman of the board

In 1985 I arrived on the Azuero Peninsula to research tuna, and was happy to find an immense diversity and abundance of marine life. Conversely, I saw a paucity of terrestrial diversity as a result of decades More recently, I have seen a reduction in burning, a of deforestation. Many cattle farmers burned their general increase in secondary forest regrowth, and cattle pastures every one to two years, limiting regeneration of ranchers beginning to restore degraded landscapes on secondary forest on the intensely utilized grazing lands. their pasturelands. While there are still areas of concern Minimal tree cover made the soil highly susceptible to such as illegal logging, forest cover has been increasing erosion, and seasonal extreme rains would result in and the diversity of birds and animals is on the rise. plumes of silt reaching far offshore. as well as settling on near shore coral reefs. AEP has exceeded my expectations in creating and expanding multiple programs that accelerate these As I continued to explore the Azuero, I found pockets positive changes. I look forward immensely to the of terrestrial biodiversity in reserves, national parks, results of this work over the next several years. and in remnant patches of forest near graze lands. The mere presence of these pockets of tropical dry forest gave me hope that the restoration and protection of the forest on the Azuero was possible. Making a personal commitment to restoration, I started a reforestation project and began exploring silvopastoral systems that combine grazing with reforestation. To amplify the impact of my passion for sustainable land use I co- — Vernon Scholey founded the Azuero Earth Project in 2007. Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board Conservation

Guillermo Duran, AEP GIS Coordinator, is proud to show off his work with local students.

GIS and the Wildlife Corridor What is GIS? Project

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) capture, Description store, analyze, and present data in reference to Creation of a wildlife corridor throughout the Azuero by their geographic location. GIS combines a map, filling gaps in forest cover in order to expand the habitat analysis, and database technology. Each type of of critical species such as the Azuero Spider Monkey, information (e.g. roads) is presented on its own improve soil quality, and increase climate resilience. layer that can be over-layed on any other layer (e.g. protected areas) in the database. Goal Gain a spatial understanding of the characteristics of the Azuero Peninsula, to determine the ideal location for the In 2012 we... wildlife corridor • Collected and analyzed over 150 data layers, prioritizing geographic areas ideal for the creation of Started a wildlife corridor 2011 • Developed the first regional, comprehensive, bilingual Map of the Azuero Peninsula, showing roads, Budget in 2012 protected areas, forest cover, and points of interest $37,000 • Used biophysical and socioeconomic variables entered into a GIS to outline the wildlife corridor which will Connect eventually bridge protected areas of the western • Corridor presentation: http://tinyurl.com/AEP-Corridor Azuero with a patchwork of dry forests amid • Interactive map: http://tinyurl.com/AEP-map agricultural areas in eastern Azuero Visiting Researcher Profile

Name Stephanie Bohlman, Assistant Professor focusing on climate change and ecosystem function, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville

Research focus Map trees in the Azuero Peninsula and determine their contribution to carbon intake.

What you learned from the program? Great collaboration – [AEP staff was] extremely useful with GIS and land cover issues, and extremely helpful with logistics and in discussion of conservation issues on the Azuero

What was your favorite thing about the program? The excellent staff, I hope the high quality and helpfulness can be maintained

What is the most important environmental issue in the Azuero? Increasing forest cover and other ecosystem services while maintaining and improving quality of life for the Azuero’s citizens Organiculture Program

Description Raise awareness of and create access to organic agricultural products through the creation of gardens in schools and on AEP property.

Goal Test techniques and provide collaborative educational opportunities on organic agriculture for Azuero residents in the AEP experimental garden

Started 2012 Fresh vegetables from AEP’s organic garden.

Budget in 2012 $4,500

Connect Species of plants in our garden Geoffrey’s Garden Facebook Page http://on.fb.me/16xYd6v Beans, spinach, cucumber, tomato, peppers (sweet In 2012 we … and hot), beets, onion, tomatillo, bak choy, coffee, • Hosted 46 garden visitors and 56 event attendees passion fruit, eggplant, watermelon, squash, • Planted 41 species of organic vegetables melon, culantro (not the same as cilantro), corn, • Hosted organic garden volunteer day with US high and luffa school students • Toured an organic farm in the province of Herrera What’s in a name • Developed database of local and global tropical Tomato Millionaire, an heirloom tomato from sustainable agriculture experts Baker Creek Seeds planted in the AEP garden. • Collected resources on organic agricultural practices, Despite being from the US, it has done well in the to make available through the web-based AEP’s AEP garden. Resource Center. “I never realized that the leaves I collect every day could be used for organic compost. I always bought compost and urea for my farm, but now I know I have everything to make these natural products in my own home.”

– Johny Montenegro, producer from who attended organic farm tour

“I learned that each local producer has their own knowledge. For example, some producers plant and harvest seeds by the phases of the moon! ”

— ­Sophie Fuchs, Princeton in Latin America Fellow and coordinator of the organiculture program Sophie Fuchs, AEP’s Princeton in Latin America Fellow and Lina Castillo (left).

Participant Profile

Name Lina Castillo V.

What you learned from participating in the Organiculture Program? How to grow my own garden in a healthy manner, chemical free, and improve my health and that of my family, while taking care of the environment better.

What was your favorite thing about the program? Sharing my interest in organiculture with other participants to collectively improve this practice

What is the most important environmental issue in the Azuero? Water! Each year the dry season in this region is stronger, the rivers run dry and many livestock animals die. Education

Azuero Resource Center

Description Reference library in our office and online, including digital resources relevant to environmental conservation in the Azuero.

Goals A baby Howler monkey learns to navigate the dry Share knowledge gained about tropical science and forest ecosystem. conservation from work on the Azuero Peninsula with the local community and the world

Started 2011 In 2012 we… Budget in 2012 • Improved the functionality of the online resource $11,500 center, providing information on sustainable land management in English and Spanish Connect • Uploaded 595 physical resources, including books, www.azueroearthproject.org/resources articles, and papers “Working for AEP has made me believe that healthy, sustainable communities are possible. There really is a budding environmental consciousness in the Azuero Peninsula and I am so grateful to be a part of it.”

— Leo Mena, PiLA Fellow, and coordinator of the Eco-Guides Project

Ecoguides

Description Web-based reference material on sustainable practices, including land use, trees, biodiversity, energy conservation, and relevant Panamanian laws A true Panama hat is made of toquilla palm. Goals These hats are worn by most men in the Azuero. Provide information on sustainable land management directly to landowners In 2012 we… • Developed environmental action decision tree, to help Started landowners identify the most beneficial sustainable 2012 land use practice for their property • Developed two informative eco-guides: live fences Budget and forestry policies, including planting registration $6,000 and sustainable harvesting Guest Expert

Description Lectures and workshops provided at no cost to the local community by topic experts

Goals Facilitate targeted educational presentations and Sabina Barrios presents on the importance of a workshops for the local community on topics related to wildlife refuge named in honor of her father, Pablo environmental sustainability Arturo Barrios, located near Pedasí.

Started 2006 What is a live fence?! Budget in 2012 $15,000 A live fence is composed of living tree cuttings Connect that are planted and maintained as fence posts. Guest Expert Details: They are connected with barbed wire and serve the www.azueroearthproject.org/initiatives/guest-experts same purpose as a conventional fence, but unlike conventional fences, live fences provide many In 2012 we… ecosystem services like improving wildlife habitat, • Hosted eight lectures with 414 attendees on topics reducing erosion, protecting from wind, increasing including: Sea turtles, Crocheting with used soil quality, when nitrogen fixing species are used. disposable plastic bags, Sustainable tourism, Live fences are also cheaper and self-replicating Protection of mangrove forests, Bio-gas vehicles, each year!! Wild cats of Panama 414

119 “I’m so happy that [AEP] is guest expert program here working in the town of AEP was able to reach more people with its Guest Expert program in Pedasi, since I believe that 2011 than in 2010. we have a lot of potential, 2011 2012 especially the youth. I love the participation of the high school students. There is still 52 a long road to walk, so I thank you for everything.”

— Francia Barrios, Pedasi resident 30 and daughter of Pablo Barrios, in whose honor the nearby Barrios Wildlife Refuge is named

4 8

Lectures Attendance Total Attendees Per Lecture Ruth Metzel works with students at a local school, playing a board game designed by the AEP staff.

“The children still play the games AEP delivered this year at recess two or three times per week.”

— Nelly González, Teacher, Elementary

School Outreach “Since we initiated the program, the students tell me that they will no longer Description Visits to local schools and creation and distribution throw stones at wildlife.” of educational materials on topics relevant to the AEP mission. — Doralis Cedeño, Teacher Elementary

Goals Increase environmental consciousness and conservation ethic among young people in the Azuero Peninsula

Started 2009 In 2012 we… • Increased reach to four schools, using a variety Budget in 2012 of games to reduce association of hunting and $14,000 trapping with endangered animals and promote forest conservation Connect • Developed new games, including the Azuero map School program article: puzzle, that promote conservation of flora and fauna, http://tinyurl.com/AEP-school-program especially the Azuero spider monkey Impact of AEP One year of school outreach resulted education programs in a strong decrease of animals, on association of especially spider monkeys, being “hunting” or “trapping” associated with hunting in all three with animals schools where AEP works.

Los Asientos Oria Arriba 100 100 100 92

77 75

57

33

17 14 7 6 Percent of Students Surveyed

2010 2011 2010 2011 Iguana Spider Monkey Eco Pela’os After-school Program

Description After school program in Pedasí.

Goal Improve the conservation of the Azuero dry forest by increasing environmental knowledge and conservation ethic for youth, ages 6 – 12

Started 2010

Budget in 2012 $2,500 Students from the Eco Pela’os program Connect participate in a parade of ox drawn carts. http://tinyurl.com/AEP-parade They built the cart together with AEP staff during the after school program. In 2012 we… • Participated in the Pedasí parade with a student- made float representing the tropical dry forest and incorporating many elements of the Azuero culture, from which students sang traditional songs with environmental messages movie night

Description Free movie screenings at the AEP offices in Pedasí

Goal Educating the community on environmental issues in a fun and entertaining setting

Started 2012 In Even the Rain, Sebastián (Gael García Bernal), a film director, travels to Bolivia to film a movie Budget in 2012 about Christopher Columbus. He arrives in the $2,000 midst of strong Indigenous protests led by his main actor, Daniel (Juan Carlos Aduviri). Connect “Even the Rain” Movie Article: http://tinyurl.com/AEP-movie

In 2012 we … • Screened the first monthly film in December, 2012: “Even the Rain” (2010), depicting the continuing legacy of colonization and the struggle for water in Bolivia Collaboration

Student learn to separate waste into different containers at their school.

“During my internship, I was inspired by many ideas: organic composting, how to protect the Azuero spider monkey, Pedasí Recycles Program how to recycle. I put three buckets in my

Description house to separate recycling and I always An initiative to divert waste for the landfill through collaborative efforts with local partners, including take my recycling to the Pedasi Recycles educational outreach to local schools. tanks. All of my younger friends who Goals Facilitate a joint initiative between youth volunteers, the came to our event want to intern at AEP municipal government of Pedasí, and business partners to find long-term solutions to waste management next year.”

Started — Pedro Perez, Pedasí High School Intern 2012

Budget in 2012 In 2012 we… Funded by partner organizations • Helped recycle 1896 lbs. of plastic, 417 lbs. of aluminum, and 61 lbs. of scrap metal Connect • Hosted two high school interns, Enita Cerrud and Pedro Recicla Pedasí facebook page Pérez Repainted all of Pedasi’s recycling tanks, with www.facebook.com/groups/222983724434163 interns and high school youth Visiting Researchers

Description Natalia Regan, a graduate student at California Provides logistical and networking support to scientists State University-Northridge, bonds with an Azuero and researchers studying topics relevant to the AEP Spider Monkey juvenile. mission.

Goals Facilitate scientific investigations on topics related When I first got to Pedasi I was looked to sustainable land management by researchers from outside of Panama at as a little loca because I was looking

Started for monkeys [to study], and now people 2007 are excited [to protect them]. It’s great to Budget in 2012 Self-funded with visitors’ payments see how AEP’s work is making an impact

Connect on the local level. Research Opportunities: www.azueroearthproject.org/study —Natalia Reagan, AEP Guest Expert

In 2012… Hosted six researchers, conducting studies on topics including: Why is our mascot called • Carbon uptake by trees in the Azuero Geoffrey? • Quantitative geographic prioritization for forest conservation Jaguars in the Cerro Hoya National Park • The importance of the Azuero spider monkey for forest The Azuero spider monkey’s Latin species name is restoration Priorities and perspectives of the Pedasí Ateles geoffroyi azuerensis. real estate and tourism sectors scale. Visitng Researcher Profile

Name Michael Bauman, Conservation and Development Specialist and graduate student at University of Florida, Gainesvill

Research Focus Use ecological and social characteristics to determine areas important for forest conservation.

What you learned from the program? Through AEP I was connected to the agricultural/ rancher communities and gained quick access to spatial data that was used in analyses for my thesis

What was your favorite thing about the program? Ease of communication and working with the AEP folks.

What is the most important environmental issue in the Azuero? Environmental governance. There is a distinct and expressed need for an organization that can help encourage/administer regional level collaboration among [various national level government agencies], the municipalities of Los Santos [province], and farmers’ associations to improve environmental quality at the ecosystem Financial Statement

expenses

Total Expenses 2011 – 2012 $569,178

fundraising and special events

$ 211,830 37%

Programs

$297,485 52%

administrative Financials shown for two-year cycle to coincide with frequency of biannual benefit event. $59,863 In-kind donations associated with 2012 benefit 11% and totaling $66,566 are omitted for consistency. Contributions and grants revenues $290,067 41% Total Revenue 2011 – 2012 $705,467

special events

$ 311,117 44%

merchendise and others Financials shown for two-year cycle to coincide with frequency of biannual benefit event. $104,283 In-kind donations associated with 2012 benefit 15% totaling $66,566 are omitted for consistency. December 31, 2012 Balance sheet assets

Connect to view more Current Assets $367,730.72 AEP financial information: Fixed Assets $86,293.32 www.azueroearthproject.org/reports

TOTAL ASSETS $454,024.04

LIABILITIES & EQUITY Current Liabilities $3,285.27

TOTAL LIABILITIES $3,285.27

Azuero Earth Project by EQUITY the numbers in 2012 Temporarily Restricted Net Asset $50,000 Retained Earnings $230,275.34 Net Income $170,463.43 2: Office locations (Pedasí, Los Santos, Panama and East Hampton, NY) 6: Staff (4 in Panama, 2 in US) TOTAL EQUITY $450,738.77 8: Interns (3 from McGill, 1 from Costa Rica, 2 from Panama, 2 Princeton in Latin America Fellows) TOTAL LIABILITIES $454,024.04 6: Members of Board of Directors & EQUITY 12: Members of Advisory Board Global Citizens Jean Pagliuso up to $5000 Jereann Chaney John and Sue De Cuevas Supporters ...a Chance...fund, Inc. Jonathan Sheffer and Christopher Alexandre and Lori Chemla Barley Amy and Ronald Guttman Juergen Riehm and Jody We are thankful to the donors Andy and Laura Heery Prozes Oberfelder Andy Darrell Keyes Hardin who contributed to our programs Barbara Goldsmith Larry Gagosian Betsy Ross Lawrence Jacobs in 2012. Bridget Goodbody Lee and JoAnn Skolnick Bryan Hunt and Lucy Winton Leslie and Sydney Wexler Calvin Klein Lorraine Letendre Institutional Donors Bedell Calvin Klein Design Lowell Schulman and Dianne Bryan Wallace Charles and Susi Finkel Wallace A G Foundation Dedon Inc Christine Ferer Luis Valrela Calvin Klein Family Foundation Janet Cuadrado Cindy Sherman Massimo Tassan-Solet and Karin Daniel Neidich and Brooke Garber Julio Ramos and Arquimedin Clifford Ross Dauch Foundation Loomstate LLC Coleman and Susan Burke Neil Simpkins and Miyoung Lee Margarent and Daniel Loeb Luca & Bosco David Maupin and Steveno Tonchi Nicole Miller Foundation Maharam David Salle and Stephanie Manes Oliver and Kathrun Grantham Peter J. Sharp Foundation Marcasiano Inc/Made with Love Dominique Levy Ovidio Diaz Espino Roy and Niuta Titus Foundation Vita Coco Douglas Tausik Paul Johnson and Bob O’Leary The Grantham Foundation for the Edward Nahem Peter McCann and Deborah Berke Protection of the Environment Eric and Aerin Zinterhofer Philip and Shelley Aarons The Moore Charitable Foundation AEP Family Fernando Santangelo Richard and Barbara Lane The Samuel J. & Ethel LeFrak $5,000 and above Gerard Cafesjian Roberta Amon Charitable Trust Glenn and Amanda Fuhrman Rory Tahari The Steven A. and Alexandra Beth DeWoody Gordon Veneklasen Sarah Min M. Cohen Foundation Charlie and Kathleen Marder Gus and Liz Oliver Scott Sanders and Peter Wilson Y.A. Istel Foundation Dedon Hernan Bas Shelley Sonenberg Dorothy Lichtenstein Hollister House Susan Goldstein Jerry and Katherine Speyer Igor and Karen Kanelopolos Thomas Lee and Ann Tenenbaum In-kind donations Loomstate Ingrid Sishy Toby Devan Lewis Marcia Riklis Isaac Mizrahi and Arnold Germer Toshiko Mori Anja van Ditmarsch Michael Maharam and Sabine Jack and Jane Rivkin Trey and Jenny Laird Arq. Olier Avila Iturralde Steinmar James Brown and Eric Diefenbach Vincent and Shelly Fremont Bai Drinks Tina Birch James Huniford William Miller Baker Seed Company Jason Beckman Patrons Judith Auchicloss Supporters Friends up to $2000 Judy Walton Davis up to $1000 up to $500 Katherine Ross and Gabrielle Abigail Scheuer Govan Barbara Slifka Alexander Vreeland Alan Wanzenberg Kathy Schenker Benjamin Lambert Andrew Lebby Allen Gribetz Lin Lougheed Betsy Currie Bai Brands Angela Missoni Linda and Ben Lambert Billy Cotton Blythe Danner Anne Templeton Lisa Phillips David Brown Bradley Palmer Barbara Hoffman Luca and Bosco Dede McMahon Chandler Moss Barbara Kruger Made With Love DL Design Associates Charlie and Susan Moss Bob Kerrey and Sarah Paley Mahnaz Ispahani Bartos Edward and Pamela Pantzer Frank Allemann Bruce Webber and Nan Bush Martha Stewart Henry Aronson Ivan Morales Caroline Sharp Maya Lin Howard and Cindy Rachofsky Jodie von Gal Catherine Orentreich Mickey and Leila Straus John Lyons Laura Zaks and Ulises Hernandez Catherine Wilmer Mindy Goldberg Judith Ripka-Berk Micaela Martegani CJ Van Milders Mira Recanati Kathleen Watt Mr. and Mrs. Morton Janklow Cristina Grajales Nancy Delman Portnoy Kevin Simmons Neal Scholey David Maupin Neda Young Maira Kalman Nina Kontos Deedie Rose Nilani Trent Marcelino and Sharon Menendez Sable & Oplinger CPA PC Diane Walker Peter Norton Margaret Munzer Loeb Samuel and Denise LeFrak Eileen Roaman-Catalano Pippa Cohen Marti Meyerson Sara Fitzmaurice Elizabeth Fiore Rameshwar Das and Kate Michael and Eva Chow Scott Rothkopf Ellen Kern Rabinowitz Michael Young Selavy, Inc Emma Becker Roger Felberbaum Michele Siano Stephen Poe Emmett Moore Roger Miller Nancy Spitzer Ted Tennis Fred and Bettina Stelle Ross Bleckner Pamela Hanson Green Mirror Corp Russ Steele Pierre Rougier Guy Bedarida Sasha Cutter and Aaron Hsu Rachel Zoe Helen DuBois Silas Marder Robert and Melissa Soros Jack Ceglic and Manuel Casteleiro Sofia Verzbolovskis Sabine Zerarka James Meeker and Janie Beggs Susan Cappa Sandy McLeod James Trezza Susanna Borghese Shelley and Gilbert Harrison Jane Rose Teresa Melhado Stephen Miller and Leon Falk Jane Sadaka Terri Kahan Susan Spagna Janelle Reiring Thomas Flynn Vanessa Hoermann Joan McDonell Toni Ross Wendy Goldberg William Beadleston and Charlotte Beers About the Azuero Earth Project

Azuero Earth Project is a current Staff Worked on Board of Directors United States registered 501(c) projects described (3) not-for-profit organization Carlos Navarro, Director of in this report Vernon Scholey, Chair working to preserve the Agroecology and Forest Employed or Interned in 2012 Lisa Phillips, Treasurer earth’s ecosystems, protect Restoration Jennifer Marshall Grantham, biodiversity, and promote Carmela Luciano, Pedasí Office Guillermo Duran, Former GIS Secretary healthy communities by helping Manager Administrator Kevin Simmons people to make informed Edwina von Gal, President Heraclio Solis, Former Library Alexander Vreeland decisions, take sustainable Jairo Batista Bernal, AEP Gardener Assistant Edwina von Gal actions, and share knowledge. Jonathan Clay, Program Director Irving Vergara, Former Program Mark Waterman, Eco Guide Editor, Assistant For additional information visit: 2013 PiLA Fellow Laura Zaks, Former Director of Board of Advisors www.azueroearthproject.org Roman Yavich, Director of Media Marketing and Development and Development Leo Mena, Former Eco-Guide Mark Ashton Or write to: Editor, Sunny Bates [email protected] 2012 PiLA Fellow Bronson Griscom Peace Corps Ruth Metzel, Former Program Nancy Hechinger Collaborators: Director Drew Lebby Sophie Fuchs, Former Maya Lin Ashley Stonecipher, Pedasí School Organiculture Scott Mori Gardens Consultant Program Coordinator, 2012 Stephen w. Pacala Ryan Dibala, Agroecology and PiLA Fellow Faith Popcorn Forest Restoration Consultant Robert Ridgely Carl Safina Mark Wishnie © 2013 Azuero Earth Project All Rights Reserved