Around 1,000 youth participated in the inauguration of the soccer league in El Chorrillo, a populous neighborhood, known for its gang activity and violence. The sports event was co-sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Panama, the National Police and the local NGO, Movimiento Nueva Generación. At the inauguration, U.S. Ambassador Phyllis Powers reaffirmed USG commitment and highlighted joint efforts underway in support of opportunities for Panamanian youth.
Official Sports Activities Launched in the Darien Region
Darien, Panama, June 2011: USAID and thepublic sector’s PanDeportes coordinated the Tuira Initiative Soccer Tournament. USAID assistance included equipment, uniforms, and organizing the participation of 13 teams from communities on the banks of the Tuira River such as Vista Alegre, Puente, Yape, Aruza, Union Choco and Capeti. PanDeportes provided referees and training onthe organization of a soccer tournament..
U.S. Ambassador Admires Indigenous Stand at National Artisans Fair
Panama City, Panama, June 15, 2011: Ambassador Phyllis Powers stopped by the stand of 22 indigenous artisans from the Embera-Wounann Comarca and communities in El Salto, Punta Grande, Yaviza, Lajas Blancas, Union Choco, Puerto Indio, Dosake Puru, Meteti and Pueblo Nuevo in the Darien region, whose participation was facilitated by USAID and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. As a result, these artisans sold many of their exquisite handicrafts, earning $12,500, which is a lot of money for communities with a high incidence of poverty. The Ambassador’s presence underscored the U.S. Government’s interest in expanding economic opportunity to the indigenous population.
USAID/Washington Visited Forest Operations
Darien, Panama, June 2011: USAID staff from Washington visited the Rio Chico area and Marraganti community in the Embera-Wounaan Comarca. In the Rio Chico area, meetings were held with the board of directors of recently created forest enterprises, and traditional authorities. The team visited one of the plots of the forest management plan where a forest census was taking place for futureharvesting. USAID also provides technical assistance to continue sustainable forest management efforts initiated by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in one of the communities. A USAID grant will help the community improve income by processing timber into tables with the purchase of a portable sawmill
Best Practices for Sustainable Livestock
Panama City, Panama, June 3, 2011: The Manual of Best Practices for Sustainable Livestock based on concepts of environmental sustainability is an example of U.S. Embassy efforts to promote sustainable environmental management and conservation of natural resources in Panama. The Manual was launched within the framework of an international expo of green products and services. The Ministry ofAgricultural Development (MIDA), the Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Screwworms (COPEG), and the National Association of Ranchers (ANAGAN) participated in the launching in partnership with USAID.
hington visited the Rio Chico area and Marraganti community in the Embera-Wounaan Comarca. In the Rio Chico area, meetings were held with the board of directors of recently created forest enterprises, and traditional authorities. The team visited one of the plots of the forest management plan where a forest census was taking place for futureharvesting. USAID also provides technical assistance to continue sustainable forest management efforts initiated by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in one of the communities. A USAID grant will help the community improve income by processing timber into tables with the purchase of a portable sawmill