The Panama Project

This Nurse Shark has become a permanent resident

Rotary Reefs Video

Where Vision Meets Action in Bocas del Toro, Panama

The Panama Project stands as the flagship initiative of the 7 Seas Initiative—a comprehensive model proving that integrated, community-driven projects can simultaneously address environmental restoration, sustainable development, and cultural preservation. Located in the stunning archipelago of Bocas del Toro, this living laboratory demonstrates how Rotary’s values can create transformative, lasting change.

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Initiatives

Each initiative is community-driven and designed to be replicated globally through partnerships and training programs:

Coral reef restoration and marine education through Rotary Reefs

Solar-powered clean water systems and microgridsducation through Rotary Reefs

Waste reduction and plastic recovery initiatives

Community health outreach and mobile clinics

Youth leadership and volunteer tourism programs

Testimonials

Hear what others experienced on our latest mission to Panama. We invite you to visit, learn, and help carry this powerful vision across the 7 Seas—spreading impact, one community at a time.

I was drawn to the Rotary Reefs initiative because my club, Rotary Ojai West, was looking for an international project. We had just formed an Environmental Committee, so coral reef restoration in Panama seemed like a perfect fit. I was especially excited about the opportunity to travel to Panama and see the Rotary Reefs firsthand.

What I didn’t realize was that Rotary Reefs is part of a much broader effort—the Panama Project—which incorporates all seven areas of Rotary focus. That was truly inspiring. On the ground in Panama, I was struck by the number of local community groups involved. We worked side by side with college students from New England College and members of the Bocas del Toro Rotary Club, planting native trees—including the Allamanda Tree, which we hope will support the reintroduction of the Green Macaw. It was muddy, sweaty work, but worth it. Along the way, we encountered a bright orange poison frog, a venomous snake, a scorpion, and even a large rhino beetle!

One of the highlights was snorkeling over the Rotary Reefs and touring the tanks at the Caribbean Coral Restoration site. Seeing these thriving coral colonies firsthand made it clear that coral restoration is not only possible—it’s urgently needed. Doug, the project director, emphasized that this is now “coral rescue.” Spotting a large nurse shark near the reef was an unforgettable moment. After experiencing the impact of this work, I’ll definitely be encouraging my club to support the project.

Our third day of service, working at a school on Isla Popa, took me the furthest out of my comfort zone—but may have been the most meaningful. As a retired science teacher, I was tempted to help in the classroom where volunteers from One Earth One Ocean were teaching students about ocean plastic and recycling. Instead, I chose to learn how to apply fluoride treatments—gloving up and working directly with the children to help improve their dental health. I hope the fluoride will help prevent further decay, and that the bamboo toothbrushes they received will be well-used. The children were absolutely adorable!

Our trip to Bocas del Toro was filled with meaningful work, plenty of fun, great food, and the chance to meet fellow Rotarians from both California and the local Bocas del Toro club. Huge thanks to Steve Bender for organizing this incredible experience and giving us the chance to be part of the Panama Project. The whole trip was one big Rotary moment.

I spent 10 days in Bocas del Toro, Panama, and I must say the leadership from Steven Bender was nothing less than five-star. Steven’s knowledge, leadership, and passion for the Panama projects were evident every day.

Diving the coral reef that my club, San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, contributed to for the Coral Reef Restoration Project clearly showed what we can achieve when we work together. The growth of the coral, along with the return of marine life in such a short time, has proven the success of this project.

We also planted 550 Almendra trees to help attract macaws and support their thriving in this island community. Assisting at a dental clinic for a school of young children—many of whom live on islands accessible only by boat—highlighted the real need for dental care in these remote areas.

I can’t say enough about the boots on the ground—from the local Rotary clubs, Rotary de Tolosa in San Luis Obispo, Rotary of Ojai Sunrise, One Earth One Ocean, all the volunteers lending a hand, the scientists helping grow coral, and many, many others working toward a better future for generations to come.

There are many lasting images from our ten days in Bocas del Toro, working alongside dedicated Rotarians and other service organizations. It was a perfect blend of adventure and hands-on projects with this very special community. Despite working on diverse initiatives across remote islands—accessible only by small boats and lacking electricity—there was a pervasive sense of joy in everything they did.

Steve Bender has spearheaded a flagship initiative known as The Panama Project, and he is an exceptionally skilled manager of its many components. Each part of the project has clear, actionable goals and represents a sustainable Rotary endeavor.

One component, Rotary Reefs, has already shown success in restoring coral to areas previously affected by bleaching and degradation. Committed community members are building reef structures, advancing the cultivation of specially grown corals, and responsibly managing protected marine zones on Isla Solarte.

Another effort focuses on the critically endangered Great Green Macaw. Deforestation of their preferred habitat—the mountain almond tree—has led to their disappearance from the Bocas area. In partnership with approximately 25 students from the Institute for Tropical Ecology and Conservation (ITEC) in Maine, and with support from leaders in Panama’s environmental agency (equivalent to the EPA), we contributed to the ongoing reforestation effort by planting 3500 trees at Dolphin Bay on Isla San Cristobal.

In a separate act of shared service, and in line with our mission to support local communities, we joined with Ayuda International, the Oral Hygiene Initiative, Floating Doctors, fellow Rotarians, and residents of Isla Popa to provide semi-annual fluoride treatments to over one hundred children at a local school. At the same time, volunteers from One Earth One Ocean led a recycling education program for the students.

These ten days in Bocas del Toro were more than just a service trip—they were a testament to the power of collaboration, community, and shared vision. Through the leadership of Steve Bender and the dedication of countless partners, The Panama Project is creating real, lasting change. We left inspired by the resilience of the people, energized by the work, and deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of something so meaningful.

We look forward to supporting and strengthening these efforts in the months and years ahead.

With gratitude,
Beverly Schuberth/Rotary Club of Ojai West

As a proud Rotarian and owner at Tropical Arts, I’ve had the pleasure to witness firsthand the transformative impact of The Panama Project in Bocas del Toro. Their work showcases Rotary’s 7 Areas of Focus

Bocas del Toro has been aptly called “one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth,” with rich cultural tapestry and natural wonders ripe for service-minded visitors. The Panama Project embraces this diversity—bringing together Panamanians, expats, Indigenous Ngäbe, Afro‑Caribbean and Hispanic communities.

To my fellow Rotarians: I extend an open invitation to visit Tropical Arts Resort and immerse yourself in our Volunteer Tourism Program. Come to Bocas del Toro to:

Partner directlywith The Panama Project’s initiatives—education, environmental stewardship, cultural exchange, health clinics, and community-building.
Experience island lifewhile giving back—using your Rotary skills and passion to uplift local families, schools, and Indigenous communities.
Enjoy Tropical Arts hospitality, (Stay, Explore, Dine, Create, Unwind & Amuse. Come as a Guest, Leave as a Friend.

Bring your club, your passion, and your ideas—we’ll offer you the full support of our established Volunteer Tourism Program, which includes exclusive discounts on accommodations, transport, dining, and activities across Bocas.

At Tropical Arts, we’ve built deep relationships with The Panama Project. Their team stands ready to collaborate, supported by respectful, hands-on engagement with the local community.

Come join us. Make an impact. Share your Rotary spirit—with every volunteer, every activity, and every shared sunset, we’re building a more inclusive, resilient Bocas—and the world.

—Eric Veenstra,