ENVIRONMENT: Panama’s Green Tide earns international award

The McNulty Foundation and the Aspen Institute announced the three organizations that have won the 2023 John P. McNulty Award, including the Green Tide (Marea Verde) Association, which since 2017 has been taking action and raising awareness on how to mitigate solid waste pollution in rivers. and coasts of Panama.

Since 2008, the McNulty Award has recognized more than 50 innovative leaders for their moral courage, vision for change, and record of bold and lasting impact. The award is given in conjunction with the Aspen Institute, to recognize exceptional leadership organizations undertaken by its fellows.

Mirei Endara de Heras, chair of the Board of Marea Verde and an Aspen Institute Fellow, has dedicated her career to addressing environmental challenges, from establishing the Nature Conservancy in Panama to serving as the first Minister of the Environment and co-founding a non-profit environmental advocacy organization, Marea Verde, in partnership with its community to address the problem of plastic debris,  one of the main causes of ocean plastic pollution.

Holistic approach
” In Marea Verde, we see everything interconnected,” says Endara. ” We are well aware that one action will not solve the problem .”

Her holistic approach includes Wanda Díaz, a hydro and solar-powered water wheel that collects more than 12,000 pounds of trash per month; as well as the promotion and reform of policies with the local government and other relevant actors; and community outreach programs. Marea Verde demonstrates to Panamanians and the world that this seemingly intractable problem can be fought at its source.

“ We need to uplift those who work on environmental policy,” said Cheryl Dorsey, McNulty Award juror and president of Echoing Green, “Marea Verde cleverly brings this up while using technology, data, and community engagement to change hearts and minds.

” Endara has persisted in the face of fierce cynicism where many have failed.”