P. 10 - LA PLAYA
JUNE / JUNIO 2014
WWW.PLAYACOMMUNITY.COM
NATURAL INSECT REPELLANT
It’s bug season in Panama, and while the geckos and frogs are
feasting, we are itching.While chemical repellants are widely
available, they can cause adverse reactions and be dangerous
to children. If you are looking for an alternative, here is a
natural repellent that is easy to make:
To Advertise / Para Publicidad: [email protected]
Two Problems, One Solution:
Ecotourism in Panama
Panama. There are few trained
and knowledgeable bird guides
readily available throughout the
country.
Conservation Panama
saw this as an opportunity to meet
a
demand
while
bringing
environmental awareness and
revenue to some of Panama’s rural
poor.
- 1/8 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1/8 cup witch hazel (avellano de bruja)
- 1/8 cup water
- 10 drops of tea tree oil
Combine ingredients in a spray bottle. Use as needed.
Did you
By offering a livable wage through
ecotourism, the program aims to
create an appreciation for a
prosperous ecosystem.
know that oils found in some species of plants are natural mosquito
deterrents? Adding essential oils of rosemary, lemongrass and
mint to the spray will add a pleasant smell
along
with added protection.
NOW OPEN
Cholo’s Sports Bar
Tuesday - Saturday
in
Located s
Las Laja
Hours:
Thursday - Sunday
noon - 9:00 p.m.
Jueves - Domingo
/bar y restaurante cholos
@Cholos_Panama
Telefonos:
507-202-0852
6090-7107
507-240-5590
240-4004
6419-4064
[email protected]
www.hotelpuntachamevillas.com
Happy Hour
2x1
Todos los dias
de 4pm-6pm
OPEN O
T
ABIER
Horario / Hours: 12:00pm to 8:00pm
3 miles from Punta Chame entrance on the Interamerican Highway.
Ubicado en los lagos de Punta Chame
G
lobally, rural poverty is a
double-edged sword.
It
limits rural and indigenous
communities and destroys the
natural world. When basic needs
like education, sanitation and
health care are kept at bay, change
is difficult and environmental
degradation is inevitable.
In Panama, unsustainable methods
of farming and deforestation
continue to be a main source of
income in many rural and
indigenous communities. Scientists
have determined that without
increased conservation in many of
these communities Panama will
face a loss of biodiversity.
As Panama develops, it becomes
harder for the country’s rural and
indigenous populations to earn a
livable wage. While many seek
employment in urban areas, most
are met with a low demand for
unskilled workers. In an effort to
resolve the conflict the Non
Governmental Organization (NGO)
Conversation Panama, has turned
to ecotourism.
So what does ecotourism mean,
and how can it help the
environment and confront rural
poverty?
Ecotourism
encompasses
three
things:
responsible travel, conservation,
and improving the wellbeing of
local people. While many have
adopted the term “eco” to portray
an environmentally friendly image,
few hold true to the real meaning of
the word.
Conservation Panama, a U.S. –
Panamanian
NGO,
is
an
organization that embodies true
ecotourism. By arming rural and
indigenous groups with knowledge
of the natural world, they offer a
chance
at
meaningful
and
worthwhile employment.
In April of this year, Conservation
Panama launched their first “Rural
Bird Guide Training” program in
Boquete. With plans to expand to a
small community in Bocas Del
Toro, the program offers rural and
indigenous people the opportunity
to earn competitive wages by
developing skills as bird watching
guides.
Panama’s unique geographical
position offers a wealth of biological
diversity and natural beauty. While
tourism is young in the country, it is
no secret that Panama is quickly
becoming a world-class ecotourism
destination.
Frommers Travel Guide ranks
Panama as one of the top bird
watching sites in the world. With
close to 1000 resident and migrant
birds, more than the US and
Canada combined, the natural
landscape entices birders and
nature lovers alike. Boasting a
variety of "showcase" birds
including toucans, macaws and the
resplendent quetzal, Panama’s
colorful world of birding can excite
just about anyone.
Despite this, bird watching remains
a largely untapped market in
Currently the Boquete program has
three applicants, who are currently
learning to identify local birds by
sight and sound. They will also
learn about local conservation
issues in the Boquete area.
Upon graduating the program
trainees
will
receive
guide
equipment, including professional
grade bino