Wanted: Stewards for a Private Nature Reserve in Panama

Hi All,

After living in Latin America off and on for several decades, I'm being called to head north and spend more time with family. However, I'll be in Panama seasonally for the next few years and can offer orientation, guidance, and advice to those who choose to commit to this place, project, and lifestyle. Here's my attempt at a brief description of the context/mission:

Planet

Panamanian ecosystems form an integral part of the Mesoamerican Biodiversity Corridor. The isthmus of Panama constitutes a natural land bridge used by a diverse range of species who migrate to and from South America and North America.

Place

This vital space is the gateway to an established private nature reserve located in central Panama and is roughly equidistant from both the Atlantic (Caribbean) and Pacific coasts. Orogen is a one hectare (2.47 acre) fully surveyed, titled, and registered transitional space reserved for those starting out in the practice of native habitat regeneration and conservation using appropriate tropical permaculture and on-the-land living specializations. The site is surrounded by mature secondary growth trees and a stream borders one side of the property. Access to piped drinking water is also available. The reserve’s unique micro-climate supports a mosaic of mature secondary and primary sub-tropical montane forest and  wildlife. Temperatures here typically range from 22 – 32 , with cooler temperatures in the early mornings and evenings. The entrance to the site (300 yard walk) can be accessed via an unpaved road by a pick-up, jeep, or van/car with high clearance.

People and Culture

A number of people in the surrounding area continue to lead traditional lives - growing and processing subsistence crops and producing traditional craft work. The soils here are suitable for growing a variety of staple foods, yams, yucca, rice, maize, beans, squash, as well as native cacao, coconut, mango, avocado, low bush coffee, citrus fruits, bananas, plantains, moringa and miracle fruit among other things. Guadua bamboo and hardwoods are well established.

If you are committed to regenerating natural areas, are in good health and physically fit, possess some familiarity with, exposure to, and sensitivity to rural cultures in the developing world, have achieved basic proficiency in conversational Spanish (no other gringos in the area), are resourceful and are motivated to pursue an autonomous livelihood, this may be a good fit. Annual planting typically begins in March to April of each year.

Permanence

In keeping with our habitat and biodiversity conservation mandate through minimum impact land use, the site is well suited for a number of compatible human-scale activities. These include and are not limited to:
   • Food forest and native plant cultivation,
   • Small-scale natural building using on-site materials: Guadua bamboo and adobe (quincha),
   • Food processing and exchange,
   • Inter-generational experiential learning, traditional knowledge exchange, craftsmanship, and/or
   • Wildlife photography, purposeful travel, wilderness camping, and/or hiking and biking.

Orogen is being made available to stewards who are committed to practising an integral approach to on-the-land living. Listing price is USD $64,000. We would like to see you to thrive here. Ongoing collaboration in the form of advice and reciprocal support services are available. It's a challenge to convey a sense of place on-line, but if you find that this description resonates deeply, we would be happy to provide more details. Peace.

Thank you.

Wow! What an opportunity! Looks like it'd be an adventure and a half. I'm still working on gaining experience otherwise I'd consider getting a ticket. And learning Spanish lol

Thank you. Yes, indeed, it’s best to begin when we are ready/prepared. Your posting reminds me of the words of an inspiring person who once said:

“Faith alone defends. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable.” - Helen Keller

Howdy C!

My name is Jay.
I'm very interested in this opportunity.

Por favor contacteme asap.  

Cheers!

Hi Jay, Thanks for contacting me about this opportunity. Sorry for not replying earlier, I have been out and about in nature and off-line. What would be the best way for me to get in touch directly?

Cheers,

CB

Hey there, CB!

Thanks for getting back to us!
We're out in the boondocks at the moment so email is best to reach us and then we might coordinate a call when we go into town next.

email is:  newearth @ keemail.me

Looking forward to chatting!

Jay

Hey again, CB!

Using my nickname AND given name may have thrown you off.  I usually go by Jay.  I don't have a "signed up" account and just log in fresh to make a post each time I write something.  Sorry if the different names have created any confusion.  That last post is me replying to your response to my first expression of interest.  

Cheers!
Jay

Hello,

Is this great opportunity still available?  i am extremely interested, i also speak spanish. please contact be via email. Carolina.mejiatobon@icloud.com

best regards,

Carolina

Any updates on this?