Silva Tree

Silva Tree Directors meet local authorities during recent Panama visit

Updated on Wednesday 20th of January 2010

Ann Putty

Silva Tree Directors and senior staff held a meeting in Chepo to discuss the effects of the Princess Panama Project on local communities, security issues and company expansion during their recent Xmas visit.

Joining Patrick and Keren for the meeting were an esteemed group of influential public figures from the local area, the key individuals who participated being Herminio Rodriguez, Forestry Engineer and Director of Eco Management, Julio Lasso, Police Commissioner of East Panama, Oscar Chávez, Civil Engineer and Director of Ministry of Public Works, Lieutenant Mariel Vásquez Paredes, Head of the Judicial Investigation Department (Public Ministry)and Olmedo Barrios, Mayor of the District of Chepo (all pictured).

The local authorities displayed support and enthusiasm for the project due to the improvements to the quality of life for the local community as well as the implications for the local wildlife and natural habitat.

Police support was achieved for security matters which is imperative from a long-term project perspective in addition to providing an increasingly safe community for the local inhabitants of the region.

The road authorities provided a proposal for the upcoming road and bridge improvements, which will facilitate transportation of goods and services in and out of the local area, contributing to a better quality of life for the local community as well as benefitting the project itself.

The Mayor displayed support on behalf of the local people and district as a whole, due to the impact the project will have on the local ecosystem and quality of life for the region and all of its inhabitants, human and non-human alike. Chepo is a farming district, and the dry season is a difficult time for many of its inhabitants. The drought makes farming impossible, and many people turn to rainforest logging just to make ends meet during these hard months. Climate change seems to be elongating the dry season in Panama, magnifying the problem even further. By providing long-term employment for the local people, Silva Tree can bring them away from deforestation practices and provide them with a secure, sustainable income. Local leaders and the department of environment see this aspect of the Princess project as a crucial effect on the district of Chepo and the country as a whole.

The mayor also promised to assist with the project development as much as possible, which is extremely positive for the company.

This is a great platform on which to build upon what Silva Tree has commenced in the last twelve months. We are looking forward to the next twelve months and are heartened by what we have achieved so far and full of excitement for the achievements to come.

Source: Silva Tree