The Pro Eco Azuero Foundation in Panama received one of its three UNESCO-Japan awards for education in support of sustainable development on Thursday for its initiative on responsible environmental management and ecosystem restoration in rural areas. The international jury wanted to distinguish 'a holistic and sustainable model for long-term cultural change,' stated the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in a press release. It also highlighted that the project 'strengthens environmental values and leadership from a young age by combining formal and non-formal education, integrating ecological monitoring, and implementing a mentorship system for youth. The 'Spider Monkey School' initiative was launched by the Pro Eco Azuero Foundation in 2010 to integrate topics such as forest regeneration, species conservation, and climate change.
