Ecotopia Teak: Promoting Responsible Teak Production in Panamá

In order to provide an opportunity for practical learning following current models implemented in Panama regarding mechanization and automation from a commercial perspective in the forestry sector,  the Ministry of Environment and professors from the Technological University organized a guided visit to the facilities of Ecotopia Teak company.

Ecotopía Teak, located in Genené, Cañita de Chepo, province of Panama, is the first certified wood processing plant for timber sourced from forest plantations  , with a production capacity of one thousand three hundred 40-foot containers of teak per year

In addition to their involvement in forest utilization, they are committed to the education and training of future professionals. As a result, they received a visit from a group of fourth and sixth-year students pursuing a degree in forestry engineering at the Technological University of Panama, as well as five graduates in Forestry Engineering from the National University of Forestry Sciences (UNACIFOR) in Honduras, at their teak processing plant.

Being a pilot project in industrial development and the only teak plant in the region, Ecotopia Teak decided to share this valuable knowledge and experience with future forestry engineers. This aims to ensure a generational transition that is forward-looking and grounded in the evolving experiences of international markets, all while advancing their commitment to promoting sustainable development and excellence in the forestry industry.

During the visit, the students, accompanied by their professors, gained substantial insights into the teak marketing system and the various quality aspects of production.  

This visit allowed the students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the processes involved in mechanization and automation within a teak processing plant. It also provided them with a different perspective on the importance of FSC certification and responsible teak production in Panama for the development of rural economies in Chepo and Darién.