Where Vision Meets Action
A living laboratory in the Caribbean proving that integrated, community-driven conservation can simultaneously restore ecosystems, uplift communities, and inspire the world.
The Panama Project is the flagship initiative of the 7 Seas Initiative
Located in the stunning archipelago of Bocas del Toro, this living laboratory demonstrates how community-driven service creates transformative, lasting change across all seven of Rotary's areas of focus. The model is designed not just to serve Bocas del Toro, but to be replicated globally — proving that scale begins with depth.
The project brings together Panamanians, expats, Indigenous Ngäbe, Afro-Caribbean and Hispanic communities, Rotary clubs from across the Americas, and international volunteers — all united by a shared commitment to service.
“Bocas del Toro has been aptly called one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth. The Panama Project embraces every dimension of that diversity — bringing communities together toward one shared mission.”
Eric Veenstra — Tropical Arts Resort, Bocas del Toro
Seven dimensions of lasting change
Each initiative is community-driven and designed for global replication — a comprehensive answer to an interconnected world.
Rotary Reefs — Coral Restoration
Rescuing reefs from bleaching through community-managed coral nurseries and marine zone protection on Isla Solarte.
Solar Microgrids & Clean Water
Solar-powered systems delivering clean energy and safe water to off-grid island communities.
Great Green Macaw Reforestation
Planting thousands of Almendro trees at Dolphin Bay to restore habitat for the critically endangered macaw.
Waste Reduction & Plastic Recovery
Partnering with One Earth One Ocean to recover debris and teach ocean stewardship to local students.
Mobile Health & Dental Outreach
Floating Doctors, Ayuda International, and Rotarian volunteers bring care to islands with no road access.
Leadership & Volunteer Tourism
University students and global volunteers work side by side with local Rotarians, turning service into lifelong commitment.
Cultural Preservation
Honoring the full cultural tapestry of Bocas del Toro as a source of strength — every project is built with communities, not for them.
Key moments in Bocas del Toro
Reintroducing the Great Green Macaw
Once a vivid flash of emerald and crimson above the rainforest canopy, the Great Green Macaw has all but vanished from Bocas del Toro. Deforestation of a single tree — the Almendro — brought this critically endangered bird to the brink. The 2030 vision: bring it back.
Initial surveys of remaining Almendro stands; first volunteer tree-planting missions begin with Rotary clubs and ITEC students.
3,500 trees planted at Dolphin Bay, Isla San Cristóbal. 550 Almendra trees planted across island habitats.
Construction of a dedicated aviary facility; acquisition of mating pairs; launch of a formal Species Survival Plan.
Gradual release of captive-bred birds into restored habitat, with radio tracking and community wardens.
A self-sustaining breeding population of Great Green Macaws living wild in Bocas del Toro for the first time in decades.
Words from those who lived it
“Seeing these thriving coral colonies firsthand made it clear that coral restoration is not only possible — it's urgently needed. Spotting a large nurse shark near the reef was an unforgettable moment.”
Donna Jones — President, Rotary Club of Ojai West
“Diving the coral reef that my club contributed to clearly showed what we can achieve when we work together. The growth of coral and the return of marine life in such a short time has proven the success of this project.”
Debra Trout — Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
“These ten days were more than a service trip — they were a testament to the power of collaboration, community, and shared vision. We left inspired by the resilience of the people.”
Beverly Schuberth — Rotary Club of Ojai West
Donate & become a sponsor
Every contribution — large or small — directly funds reef restoration, tree planting, health outreach, and community education in Bocas del Toro.
Visit the official Panama Project site
For the complete, most current details — live impact numbers, the AI-powered 4-7-8-17 Navigator, and how to plan a trip — visit the source site directly.
Go to ThePanamaProject.org →