Restoration of the Chucunaque Biological Corridor, Darien Province

The Restoration of the Chucunaque Biological Corridor aims to restore 12,000 hectares of tropical humid forest currently used as pasture for cattle grazing in Panama’s Darién Province. As the largest expanse of humid tropical forest in Central America, Darién is home to more than half of Panama’s forest cover and serves as a critical link in the Darién Gap, the last remaining natural bridge between North and South America.

Despite its global ecological significance, the Darién region has lost more than 20% of its forest cover over the past 30 years due to unsustainable timber extraction, cattle ranching, and slash-and-burn practices. This loss threatens biodiversity, weakens ecosystem services, and puts at risk the region’s role as a natural climate regulator and biological corridor.

Through rePLANET’s innovative restoration model, the project will reforest 6,000 hectares of native, mixed-species forest along riparian zones and degraded areas, enhancing habitat connectivity and protecting watersheds. Simultaneously, it will support the transition to rotational grazing on 6,000 hectares of remaining pasture, improving soil health, boosting livestock productivity, and enabling a more sustainable agricultural system.

The reforestation strategy follows an accelerated ecological succession model, using fast-growing pioneer species to create favorable conditions for shade-tolerant and late-succession native trees, fostering diverse and resilient ecosystems.

As with all rePLANET projects, local communities are at the heart of the Chucunaque Corridor restoration. Participating farmers will receive per-hectare payments for land restored to forest and funding for transitioning to rotational grazing, including equipment and training. Additionally, a Sustainable Business and Livelihoods Fund (SBLF) will ensure that at least 60% of project income is reinvested locally — supporting the development of alternative sustainable livelihoods and addressing social and economic inequalities across the wider community.