With the purpose of promoting environmental awareness, strengthening citizen participation and generating spaces for dialogue on the protection of our environment, the following was carried out: Environmental Forum in West Panama: “Awareness, Participation and Action for Our Future”, organized by the Environmental Watchdogs of West Panama, in the township of Chame.

The event included the participation of UMECIT – La Chorrera Campus, and as part of this meeting, the participation ofProfessor Libardo Martinez, who is also an active member of the Environmental Watchdogs of West Panama and participated as a panelist, contributing from her academic and civic experience knowledge, reflections and proposals related to the challenges and opportunities to strengthen the environmental culture in the province.

The forum brought together community members, Environmental Monitors from different sectors of West Panama, local authorities, professionals, teachers, exhibitors and special guests, fostering a space for dialogue and exchange of experiences on the main environmental challenges of the region.

Through the presentations and panel discussion, participants were able to interact with the speakers, share concerns, and reflect on the importance of moving from awareness to action. These kinds of gatherings demonstrate the value of connecting environmental education with the realities and needs of communities.

UMECIT's participation also strengthens the collaborative work being carried out with the Ministry of the Environment, particularly with the Directorate of Environmental Culture, within the framework of the existing agreement between the two institutions. This alliance allows for the promotion of actions related to education, awareness, citizen participation, and environmental protection, seeking to generate concrete benefits for the communities of West Panama.

For UMECIT, being part of these spaces means putting knowledge at the service of society and contributing, through education, to the formation of more conscious, participatory citizens committed to their environment.

Our teacher's participation as an Environmental Monitor and panelist reflects precisely this commitment: to take knowledge beyond the classroom and actively participate in initiatives aimed at environmental protection and the well-being of communities.

Because caring for the environment is a shared responsibility. It's a commitment that begins with each individual and is strengthened when institutions, communities, and citizens work together.