Blog Post | Latest Panama visit - part 1

Blogger: Patrick

Position: Co-Founder

Company: Silva Tree Panama S.A

Blog Synopsis

Green energy and alternative investment firm. Silva Tree is developing 1500 Hectare of Paulownia for Timber. The project will also have 800 HA qualified as a Carbon Offset Project. Our 3000-5000 Hectare Biomass will come soon by way of a fund.

Latest Panama visit - part 1

By Patrick

Monday, January 25, 2010

Rather than spending Xmas eve under the Xmas tree, myself and Keren Katz, founding Directors of Silva Tree Panama, spent it amongst the Paulownia trees in Panama.

Making the 2 1/2 hour drive from Panama City to the district of Chepo with Forestry Engineer Herminio Rodriguez, we inspected the plantation and existing facilities. It is currently dry season in Panama, and the view that greeted us, unhindered by heavy rain as experienced during our previous visits, was spectacular in the sunshine.

We were able to enter parts of the plantation that were previously uncomfortable to reach due to rain, and were surprised to discover some interesting features: The project site is adjacent to a small patch of natural primary rainforest which is protected by the governmental department of environment, ANAM. This little island of rainforest is home to Spider Monkeys, rare tree species, extremely rare spiders and birds.

We were told that the plantation staff are often greeted by the inquisitive and surprisingly tame Spider Monkeys who swing in the trees nearby.

"Having trees adjacent to this patch of forest is invaluable to these animals, it will allow them to escape their isolated area of forest for the first time in over 30 years" says Herminio who has known the land around Chepo all his life.

Onsite facilities have been under development for several months and it was gratifying to see them taking shape. Upon inspection, additional facilities were added to the development plan, some of which will accommodate visitors to the project site.

Keren and I were joined by the company's third director to meet with the project team leaders in Panama City, and decisions were made about future projects, community benefits and company expansion which will be shared with you in due course.

Look out for Part 2 of my Latest Panama Visit in the next few days!

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