This is an opportunity to work with an ashoka fellow
ashoka fellows are leading social entrepreneurs that have been taken through a rigorous selection process, testing the quality of their ideas and character, to become part of the ashoka fellowship and network. Ashoka fellows take on the challenges of building innovative system change ideas to make and spread social impact in a world wrought with challenges. They refuse to let the ‘impossible’ stand in their way to creating a better world.
this is an unpaid, volunteer opportunity
about the affiliated organization
futuro forestal was founded 30 years ago by ashoka fellow andreas eke to prove that reforestation can be a sustainable business. We develop generation forests — planted on former cattle pasture using native tree species — that generate revenue through selective harvesting and carbon sequestration while becoming permanent, productive and biodiverse forest assets. We work with local and indigenous communities across panama and latin america, creating employment in remote areas and building regional knowledge in native species management. Our forests deliver long-term value across timber, carbon, and social impact — demonstrating that ecological restoration and commercial viability can go hand in hand. Our mission: to create as many generation forests as possible, as fast as possible.
for more information, please visit description
futuro forestal manages approximately 5,000 ha of native forest plantations across panama. As our operations grow, we need to strengthen our spatial and forestry data foundation to improve forest management and carbon reporting. The volunteer will assist our forestry team with:
* harmonizing spatial and forestry databases across our operations;
* stratifying production zones by landscape, soil type, species, and planting year; and
* supporting the development of an annual internal forest monitoring report that turns inventory data into actionable insights.
as a secondary task, the volunteer may also assist with data preparation for our vm0047 carbon methodology, specifically the dynamic performance benchmark and stocking index time series.
this work is important because accurate, well-structured spatial and forestry data underpins both our forest management decisions and the integrity of our carbon credit reporting — directly supporting our mission to scale generation forests across latin america.
the position can be carried out fully remotely or in a hybrid arrangement. If the volunteer wishes to visit panama, we are happy to support with logistics for field days. We are a small, dedicated team and value volunteers who are self-motivated and proactive. The volunteer will work closely with our r&d team and have direct exposure to a real-world, large-scale reforestation and carbon project in panama. We welcome candidates at any career stage — from students to professionals seeking to apply their skills for impact.
volunteer logistics
estimated hours required per week: 10–20 hours per week
the estimated duration of the project is: 3-6 months
this position is virtual (remote)
language requirements
english
desired skills and experience
background in forestry, gis, ecology, or environmental sciences with a strong spatial or data analysis component
proficiency in qgis required; arcgis or remote sensing experience a plus
fluent english; spanish a strong plus
analytical, detail-oriented, and able to work independently
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