SHI :: Providing farmers and communities in the tropics with long-term assistance implementing environmentally and economically sustainable technologies.

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Water is the most critical resource on Earth. SHI is actively engaged in water conservation, irrigation and filtration projects that sustainably improve quality of life in Panamanian communities while conserving precious water resources for future generations. Learn about gravity-powered water filtration, integrated fish pond and rice paddy systems, erosion control methods, and more while getting your hands dirty and your feet wet. Top off your experience with a visit to the Panama Canal and a dip in Panama's legendary Pacific coast.

Panama's tropical forests are home to more than 10,000 different species of plants and animals. Unfortunately, our planet loses approximately seven species each day! Most of these extinctions take place in the tropics where unique fragile ecosystems are quickly being destroyed by agricultural expansion.

Farmers in Panama are desperate to learn ways that they can grow the food they need to support their families without destroying the environment. Help SHI's field trainers teach techniques that families can use to improve their diets, health and incomes while protecting their natural resources.

Volunteers participating in SHI's Smaller World Service Trips to Panama will travel to the district of Anton where our local staff have been providing training in alternatives to slash-and-burn farming practices since 1998. SHI's Panamanian staff and families are very excited to show volunteers the progress they have made.

Anton is an impoverished district located in the center of the country, northwest of Panama City. The group will be working side-by-side with farmers on a variety of projects that they have requested volunteer assistance with including irrigation systems, gardening, wood-conserving stoves and reforestation. Participants will have the opportunity to do homestays and really experience the way of life in the rural villages. There will also be a weekend excursion to another part of the country which may include visiting the Panama Canal, salsa dancing, snorkeling, hiking and relaxing on the beach.

TRAVEL COSTS
Family Voluntourism Trip - $1,500 per adult and $750 per child
Business Sponsor Trip - $1,500 per person

These costs include project materials and supplies, liability insurance, rustic dorm accommodations at the work site and double occupancy hotel accommodations when we visit tourist areas, meals, in-country transportation and guide / translation service. In addition, 20% of your program fee is given as a direct donation to the local program. This total DOES NOT INCLUDE airfare, medicine, phone calls, souvenirs, or any additional costs not mentioned.

A deposit of $300 per person should be sent in with your registration form. The balance is due to be paid 60 days before the start of the trip. If travel funding is an issue for you, please contact Sarah Kennedy at our outreach office to brainstorm some fundraising ideas.