Waste collection and reforestation are among the NGO’s key initiatives, based on the belief that organized community action creates real impact

By: Lorena Alba

Since its creation, Fundación Limpia Panamá has built its work alongside volunteers, communities, and partners, combining training, community organization, and on-the-ground action. To date, the organization has carried out more than 300 environmental initiatives, including clean-up activities, impact-driven actions, and educational programs.

Along this path, the organization has promoted environmental volunteering as a practical way to take action, educate, and show that real change is possible when people get involved and sustain their efforts over time.

“In Panama, the problem of waste is often seen as something normal, almost as part of the landscape. The reality is that many people do not fully understand how serious this issue is, not only for the environment, but also for public health, the economy, and overall quality of life,” says Yazuri Guido, Director and Founder of Fundación Limpia Panamá.

While the organization emphasizes that its impact goes beyond numbers, it explains that its work with different communities across the country has reached more than 10,000 people, including volunteers, families, students, teachers, and employees from partner companies.

Challenging work, but also rewarding

Fundación Limpia Panamá works on several fronts and recognizes that some are more demanding than others. From a logistical point of view, reforestation is often one of the toughest tasks.

The organization explains that it carries out hands-on work in protected areas such as Soberanía National Park and Camino de CrucesNational Park, where it addresses environmental threats like paja canalera, an invasive species that affects forest regeneration.

“Access, the terrain, physical effort, materials, and time can be exhausting, but they are also deeply rewarding. We hope that long after we are gone, those trees will still be there, growing and sustaining life,” Guido adds.

Within its work, the Foundation recognizes that one of the biggest challenges is not only organizing a clean-up day, but keeping momentum when the problem quickly comes back. For this reason, beach and river clean-ups are important, but they are not enough on their own.

One of the most important lessons for the NGO has been understanding that the desire to help is there, but many people need the right space and structure to take action. In this sense, Limpia Panamá highlights that environmental volunteering not only creates positive impact, but also builds emotional and social connection by creating community, identity, and a sense of belonging.

In other words, their goal is not just to carry out an activity, but to encourage lasting environmental habit changes that go beyond a single event.

Desde La Acción: a book that captures the human side of the movement

The Foundation’s journey is also reflected in the book Desde La Acción, a publication that documents more than 300 impact activities and, according to Limpia Panamá, shows the real work behind each one.

“Desde La Acción is proof of something simple yet powerful: environmental change begins in everyday actions,” they say.

Beyond recording activities and lessons learned, the book also reveals the human essence of the project: a foundation sustained by women, families, young people, and community, with leadership built in the middle of real life.

For 2026, the organization aims to strengthen new lines of work focused on training, sustainability, and long-term continuity. Among its priorities is reinforcing environmental education and expanding its reach to both public and private schools, with a strong focus on the role of children and teenagers as drivers of change within their own households.

They also plan to continue sustained activities in critical areas, with a more strategic approach to waste management and organized volunteering, as well as developing projects linked to recycling, the circular economy, and community inclusion.

A project that became a tradition: Oceans Month in Costa del Este

One of the clearest examples of the impact of collaborative work is an annual clean-up held in Costa del Este during Oceans Month, which is observed in September

More than 10 organizations take part in this activity, alongside representatives from private companies, students, government institutions, and independent volunteers.

“The impact is clear in the before and after. The organizations that take part want to do it again, and over time this activity has become a tradition that returns every year with even more strength,” Guido concludes.

How to get involved?

Fundación Limpia Panamá welcomes volunteers, business alliances, and donations, and counts on the help of the community to promote campaigns and calls. Discover more about their activities by emailing fundacionlimpiapanama@gmail.com or by visiting their profiles on Instagram / Facebook / LinkedIn.