Vanessa Villamonte
Panama

“Wetlands are the veins of the Earth: if you cut them little by little, the heart of the planet will stop beating.”

About Vanessa

I am a woman passionate about nature, convinced that every corner of the planet is sacred. I grew up in the Darién province, known by many as the “heart of the universe” and the “lungs of Central America.” A place where each tree tells a story, and every ray of sunlight caresses the earth. From a young age, I learned to listen to the whisper of the wind and absorb the wisdom of the Indigenous women in our communities regarding our environment.

I combine my love for nature with a strong social commitment, working tirelessly to preserve the ecosystems around us, particularly the Matusagaratí wetlands. I am part of a grassroots community organisation, Raíces Ambientales por Matusagaratí, which seeks answers and solutions to protect and highlight the importance of wetlands. Each expedition we undertake is a step toward the legacy we want to leave for future generations: a healthy, vibrant world.

I actively participate in conservation and environmental education projects within local communities, always seeking connections with those who share this passion. I am convinced that together we can create real and lasting change.

As an activist, dreamer, and lover of nature, I dedicate my free days to learning and teaching, allowing the landscapes around me to guide each of my steps. My goal is to inspire others to join this mission and cultivate a love for the natural world that transcends generations.
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You can follow Vanessa on Instagram at @villamontevanessa