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Project News

2010-09-15

Study Tour to the Orchid Conservation Center

It is said that there are more than 1500 species of wild orchid are found in Panama. The Orchid Conservation Center is located approximately 120km west of Panama City in El Valle de Anton, a mountainous town popular among vacationers for its cool climate. The Center is administered by APROVACA, an NPO whose objective is the conservation of Panama's native orchids. However, its activities are not limited to only orchid conservation, but it also promotes environment-friendly tourism.


photoSign at the entrance of the Orchid Conservation Center. (August 20, 2010 at the Orchid Conservation Center)

On August 20, members of the Victoriano Lorenzo group, one of the groups supported by the Project and investing in ecotourism activities, made a visit to the Orchid Conservation Center.


photoView of the cafeteria inside the Center. (Same as above)

The president of APROVACA, Ms. Laura, explained about the history of the Association, it's mode of operation, the significance of environmental conservation, orchid conservation and ecotourism. All the talks were very beneficial to the participants. There was an active exchange of questions and answers especially regarding the difficulties and solutions encountered in administrating the Association (APROVACA). Perhaps for this reason, on the trip back to Panama, the group members were exchanging opinions among themselves about their own group operation. We anticipate seeing greater initiative in the group in carrying out their activities.

In order to help conserve native orchid species, APOVACA does not sell native orchids. Instead, it sells horticultural orchids at modest prices and uses the proceeds to cover its operational costs.


photoMs. Laura explaining about orchids. (August 20, 2010, at the Orchid Conservation Center)

photoParticipants listen attentively to her talk. (Same as left)

photoThe greenhouse where orchids are cultivated. (August 20, 2010, at the Orchid Conservation Center)

photoA question and answer session about orchid growing techniques. (August 20, 2010, at the Orchid Conservation Center)

photoAn orchid blooming in the facilities. (Same as left)

photoAn orchid plant with well-developed roots. (Same as left)


(Lic. Mizoguchi Kotaro, Coordinador)

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