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IMPACT PROMISE 
Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact
Partner Snapshot
Partner:
ANCON (National Association for the Conservation of Nature)
Location:
Panama
Category:
- Community Support & Development
- Land Purchases
- Protected Area Management
Urgent Appeals:
None currently
Date Founded:
1985
Website:
Partner Qualifications:
IUCN MemberA distinguished Member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. IUCN Members are each vetted and voted on based on an independent, rigorous assessment and external references. Learn More
Legally ConstitutedThis organization is formally constituted and is a legally recognized non-profit in its country of origin.
Effective ImpactWe recognize this Partner for their tremendous efforts to make a difference for wildlife and local communities, as well as welcome technical support from Conservation Allies to improve and scale up their impact.
About ANCON
ANCON is a nonprofit organization with over 39 years of experience dedicated to preserving Panama’s protected areas and biodiversity. Since its founding, ANCON has worked tirelessly to safeguard the country’s most valuable ecosystems, promoting sustainable practices and fostering a deeper connection between nature and society.
ANCON focuses on strengthening protected area management and establishing sustainable terrestrial and marine corridors through reforestation, sustainable agriculture, ecosystem restoration, sustainable tourism, and strategic land acquisitions. For example, ANCON owns and manages Punta Patiño, the largest private nature reserve in Panama, which plays a crucial role in protecting Darien National Park and enhancing ecological connectivity between North and South America. Additionally, their urban sustainability program includes recycling initiatives, waste reduction campaigns, and efforts to encourage responsible disposal practices aimed at keeping urban rivers and beaches clean.
ANCON’s projects also incorporate environmental education and policy advocacy to support informed decision-making, ensuring long-term environmental protection, community empowerment, and climate change resilience.
With its holistic approach, ANCON remains a key player in protecting Panama’s wildlife and ecosystems, which, due to the country’s unique geographic position, contribute to the health and wellbeing of the entire planet.
Their Challenges
Panama faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, water scarcity, pollution, overfishing, and climate change. Deforestation, driven by agricultural expansion and urbanization, threatens biodiversity in areas like the Panama Canal watershed. Changing rainfall patterns and forest loss put the Canal’s water supply at risk, making conservation a priority.
Pollution, especially plastic waste, harms marine life and stresses ecosystems, while the lack of a comprehensive recycling system worsens the issue. Coastal erosion and rising sea levels threaten both ecosystems and communities that depend on natural resources.
Panama’s strategic position as a migration corridor makes its ecosystems vital for global biodiversity. ANCON works with local communities to promote sustainable practices and resilience to climate impacts, addressing these challenges through collaboration with government, civil society, and international partners.
Their Approach
ANCON addresses environmental challenges through a holistic approach that combines research, conservation, community engagement, and policy advocacy. They focus on conserving Panama’s protected areas and restoring terrestrial and marine corridors through reforestation, habitat restoration, and the management of key reserves. Their urban cleanups engage thousands of volunteers to reduce pollution's impact on marine wildlife.
A core element of their work involves helping local communities transition from unsustainable agricultural and fishing practices to sustainable, climate-resilient models. By providing training and resources, ANCON supports these communities in adopting eco-friendly agriculture and tourism to protect biodiversity and promote economic sustainability. They also emphasize environmental education, collaborating with schools and local organizations to foster a culture of conservation among younger generations.
In addition, ANCON advocates for strong environmental policies, working with government bodies and international organizations to safeguard critical ecosystems like the Panama Canal watershed. Through strategic partnerships, they amplify their impact and mobilize resources for long-term conservation efforts.
Why They Need Your Help
Donations are essential to the success of ANCON’s conservation efforts, enabling them to expand their reach and address Panama’s most urgent environmental challenges.
Your contributions will directly support the conservation of Panama’s protected areas and the restoration of key terrestrial and marine corridors. These efforts are critical for safeguarding water resources, protecting biodiversity, and mitigating climate change.
Donations also allow ANCON to work with local communities, providing them with the tools and training needed to adopt sustainable agricultural, fishing, forestry, and tourism practices. Additionally, your support will help expand their urban sustainability programs, addressing Panama’s waste management issues through recycling initiatives and education that inspire future generations of environmental stewards.
With your help, ANCON can continue protecting Panama’s invaluable ecosystems, ensuring they remain a source of life and inspiration for generations to come.