The Mapa Corredores natura-cultura is a living, participatory map that explores ecological connectivity in Panama. It’s a collaboration between Almanaque Azul and Estudio Nuboso. It highlights key areas of the country where forest preservation is essential to ensure the free movement of species while identifying regions where deforestation has disrupted these flows and where restoration is needed. More than a static cartography, this project invites us to think of the territory as a constantly evolving network, where nature and human action intertwine to restore and protect the country’s ecological corridors.
All living things move: animals, birds, insects, plants and humans. Water, air and the earth itself also move. This movement is essential for life, to feed, reproduce and evolve; it is what allows the diversity of living beings, nature to regenerate and become stronger in the face of change. In this context, ecological connectivity becomes key, as it determines how easy or difficult it is for living beings to move between their living spaces.
Natural corridors are arteries of life that facilitate movement and communication. This map expands Almanaque Azul’s map of natural corridors in Panama by integrating a layer of regenerative human action to explore the idea of nature-culture corridors of planetary solidarity. What it reveals is that there are many, many communities in Panama working together to care for and restore the conditions that enable life on Earth.
We are organized around culture, conservation and territorial defense, restoration or scientific research, in community-based organizations, water boards, collectives and cultural spaces. This visualization illustrates the challenges and also offers hope. It is a reminder that by coming together in collective action we can weave a web of mutual support on a global scale. In an ever-changing world, these connections are needed more than ever.
Version 1.0 MAC – February 2025
This map is based on Almanaque Azul’s Map of Panama’s natural corridors, whose research, production and dissemination was carried out by Miriam Pons, Mir Rodríguez Lombardo, Michelle Szejner and Jessica Wakauma Ausinheiler. With original layout by Marilaura Cajar Benavides.
Thanks to the support of Rossie Pope-Meyer, president of the board of directors of Pro Eco Azuero, and Sylvia Pope.
Cartography: Mir Rodríguez Lombardo.
Adaptation for canvas mounting for Estudio Nuboso’s 10+ years expo: Dominique Ratton Perez and Ela Spalding
Data sources: Ministry of Environment (land use map 2022, SINAP, OBCs), Tommy Guardia National Geographic Institute (road network, borders, coastline, rivers, provinces and districts), Kendra Walker (2019, vegetation), OpenStreetMap contributors (road network, coastline), National Institute of Statistics and Census, Comptroller General of the Republic of Panama (villages and human population density with 2010 census data), Carolina Borrero Arias with initiatives documented in her film La Selva Llama, Panama Museum and Visitor Center Network, Ministry of Health (JAARs), National System of Conservation Areas (Costa Rica), National Natural Parks of Colombia.
Includes data from the project “Strengthening the capacities of Community Based Organizations at the national level”, financed by the PPD-UNDP/GEF Small Grants Program.
Experts consulted: Alicia Ibañez, Beatriz Schmitt, Charlotte Elton, Daniel Holness, Jonathan González Quiel, José Manuel Mendieta, José de Jesús Vargas González, Melisa Ayala, Néstor Espejo, Pedro Méndez-Carvajal, Ricardo Moreno, Roney Samaniego and Samuel Valdés.
www.almanaqueazul.org / www.estudionuboso.org