Bocas del Toro, Panama · A 7 Seas Initiative
Where Vision Meets Action
A living laboratory in the Caribbean proving that integrated, community-driven conservation can simultaneously restore ecosystems, uplift communities, and inspire the world.
From the Field
See the Reefs Come Alive
A Nurse Shark Finds Its Home
This nurse shark has become a permanent resident of the Rotary Reef on Isla Solarte.
Rotary Reefs — Coral Restoration
This nurse shark has become a permanent resident of the Rotary Reef on Isla Solarte.
The Panama Project
The Flagship of the 7 Seas Initiative
The Panama Project is the flagship initiative of the 7 Seas Initiative — a comprehensive model proving that integrated, community-driven projects can simultaneously address environmental restoration, sustainable development, and cultural preservation.
Located in the stunning archipelago of Bocas del Toro, this living laboratory demonstrates how Rotary's values create transformative, lasting change across all seven areas of focus.
Our model is designed not just to serve Bocas del Toro, but to be replicated globally — proving that scale begins with depth.
"Bocas del Toro has been aptly called one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth. The Panama Project embraces every dimension of that diversity — bringing communities together toward one shared mission."
Eric Veenstra — Tropical Arts Resort, Bocas del Toro
7
Rotary Focus
Areas
Seven Dimensions of Lasting Change
Each initiative is community-driven and designed for global replication —
a comprehensive answer to an interconnected world.
Marine Environment
Rotary Reefs — Coral Restoration
Rescuing reefs from bleaching and degradation through community-managed coral nurseries and marine zone protection on Isla Solarte.
1
Clean Energy & Water
Solar Microgrids & Clean Water Systems
Solar-powered systems deliver clean energy and safe water to off-grid island communities, removing a barrier that holds entire populations back.
2
Biodiversity
Great Green Macaw Reforestation
Planting thousands of mountain almond trees at Dolphin Bay to restore the habitat of the critically endangered Great Green Macaw.
3
Ocean Health
Waste Reduction & Plastic Recovery
Partnering with One Earth One Ocean to recover debris and teach local students ocean stewardship — building a generation of clean-sea guardians.
4
Community Health
Mobile Health Clinics & Dental Outreach
Floating Doctors, Ayuda International, and Rotarian volunteers bring fluoride treatments and primary care to children on islands with no road access.
5
Youth & Education
Leadership & Volunteer Tourism
University students and global volunteers work side by side with local Rotarians and communities, turning service into lifelong commitment.
6
Cultural Preservation
Indigenous & Multi-Cultural Community Engagement
Honoring the full cultural tapestry of Bocas del Toro — Panamanians, expats, Indigenous Ngäbe, Afro-Caribbean, and Hispanic communities — as a source of strength. Every project is built with communities, not for them.
7
Global Framework
The 4-7-8-17 Global Success Program
The Panama Project is measured against one of the most comprehensive frameworks for service excellence — the 4-7-8-17 Global Success Program, which aligns with Rotary's 4-Way Test, 7 Areas of Focus, 8 Pillars of Positive Peace, and the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
How many boxes does your project check? Use the AI-powered Navigator to find out — and see how The Panama Project scores across all four dimensions.
AI can make mistakes. Always use The 4-Way Test to verify information.
Voices from the Field
Words from Those Who Lived It
Seeing these thriving coral colonies firsthand made it clear that coral restoration is not only possible — it's urgently needed. Spotting a large nurse shark near the reef was an unforgettable moment.
Donna Jones
President, Rotary Club of Ojai West
Diving the coral reef that my club contributed to clearly showed what we can achieve when we work together. The growth of coral and the return of marine life in such a short time has proven the success of this project.
Debra Trout
Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
These ten days were more than a service trip — they were a testament to the power of collaboration, community, and shared vision. We left inspired by the resilience of the people.
Beverly Schuberth
Rotary Club of Ojai West
Come as a Guest, Leave as a Friend. Bring your club, your passion, and your ideas. With every volunteer, every activity, and every shared sunset, we're building a more inclusive, resilient Bocas — and the world.
Eric Veenstra
Tropical Arts Resort, Bocas del Toro
Support the Mission
Donate & Become a Sponsor
Every contribution — large or small — directly funds reef restoration,
tree planting, health outreach, and community education in Bocas del Toro.
Make a Donation
Your gift goes directly to reef restoration, reforestation, health clinics, and clean water initiatives in Bocas del Toro, Panama.
Become a Sponsor
Partner with The Panama Project through a sponsorship that aligns your organization with meaningful conservation and community impact.
Resources
Download the Panama Project Booklet
Get the complete overview of The Panama Project — our initiatives, impact stories, partner organizations, and how you can get involved. Ideal for Rotary clubs, potential sponsors, and volunteer travelers.
Our Partners
United by a Shared Mission
None of this is possible alone. These organizations bring expertise,
resources, and passion to every mission.
From the Field
Key Moments in Bocas del Toro
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Join the Mission
Spread Impact Across the 7 Seas
Visit, learn, volunteer, and help carry this vision across the world — one community, one reef, one generation at a time.