Panama's Garden Clubs Win 'Plant America' Award for Guayacan Tree Planting

Panama has once again gained international recognition for its environmental conservation efforts. The Federation of Garden Clubs of Panama received an award in the Plant America contest for a project focused on environmental protection and sustainable development.

Since 2018, the Federation has been driving the "Let's Paint Panama Yellow" program. This initiative aims to transform public spaces and communities by planting 100,000 guayacan seedlings across the nation. The project's success earned the federation second place in the contest organized by the Committee of International Affiliate Activities, highlighting Panama's commitment to nature conservation.

"Every person in Panama should plant a guayacan, and we give it to them and care for it so that one day, Panama will truly be a city painted yellow," said Vylma Cordovez, coordinator of the "Let's Paint Panama Yellow" program. Beyond adding vibrant color to Panamanian landscapes with the characteristic yellow blooms of the guayacan, the initiative seeks to foster environmental education, a love for gardening, and an understanding of the importance of protecting ecosystems.

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Every person in Panama should plant a guayacan, and we give it to them and care for it so that one day, Panama will truly be a city painted yellow.

The guayacan, known for its beauty and symbolic value, is also associated with messages of life and peace. Bedsy Dutari, a scientist with the Club de Jardinería de Panamá, explained the tree's significance: "The guayacan must be cared for in the initial stages; once planted, it is generous and then grows and continues on its own. It is a timber tree and can even be medicinal in some regions."

The Plant America contest, organized by National Garden Clubs, Inc. and COMAAI, aims to encourage communities worldwide to develop more sustainable projects and prepare for the effects of climate change and global warming.

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The guayacan must be cared for in the initial stages; once planted, it is generous and then grows and continues on its own. It is a timber tree and can even be medicinal in some regions.