Emilio Mel

Panamanian environmental activist who pioneered tropical forest conservation in Darién Gap

Before global climate activism became mainstream, Emilio Mel (1932–1998) risked his life protecting the Darién National Park biodiversity. The Ngäbe leader organized indigenous resistance against illegal logging and drug traffickers' incursions into this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

His innovative "Guardianes del Bosque" program trained local communities in sustainable forestry and wildlife monitoring. Mel's 1987 botanical survey identified 3 endangered orchid species, leading to expanded protections. Despite assassination threats, he established ecological corridors connecting Panama's forests with Colombia's Chocó region.

Posthumously awarded the UN Global 500 Roll of Honour, Mel's legacy lives through the Darién Sustainable Initiative that continues enforcing anti-poaching laws. His grassroots approach remains a model for tropical conservation amidst climate crisis.