Geoversity's Commitment to BioCultural Leadership
Geoversity is Nature’s University. Our main campus is the Mamoní Valley Preserve, a 4,800-hectare (12,000acres) rainforest conservancy located in one of the top biodiversity hotspots in the world, less than a two-hour drive from Panama City, Panama.
- Geoversity leads a growing ecosystem of individuals and organizations united in the mission of biocultural renewal.
- Our programs are grounded in the hard day-to-day work of watershed conservation and the fight to avert global ecological collapse, always in team with local communities, indigenous authorities and youth activists.
- We offer immersive learning experiences, guided by applied science, natural design and indigenous wisdom, for emerging and accomplished biocultural leaders.
Geoversity’s natural campuses and our learning and leadership programs are administered by the not-for-profit Geoversity Foundation in the U.S. and the Fundación Geoversity in Panama.
On Campus Orientation: Redlands
May 4-6, 2026
Redlands PanaMapping Course: Panama
May 7 - 24, 2026
Tentative 18-Day Itinerary*
In Panama you will study fundamental principles of GIS Mapping in an international setting (Panamá in this particular offering). Students have an opportunity to travel to a foreign locale to develop theoretical understanding while experiencing the issues that affect applications of GIS Mapping in a culture and environment different from their own.
A final assignment in the form of group presentations will take place at the end of the program. This project would allow students to draw conclusions and perspectives on how GIS Mapping has been applied in Panama.
*Final itinerary subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances, circumstances beyond Geoversity's control, or overall progress of group activities.
Tentative 18-Day Itinerary
Mamoní Valley Preserve: Days 1-8
May 7 - 15, 2026
Journey into the depths of tropical rainforest that connects two of the world's top 25 ecological hotspots-- the Mamoní Valley Preserve
Get ready for a hands-on rainforest adventure! You’ll dive into the heart of the Mamoní Valley Preserve, living and learning at Geoversity’s rainforest campus. Each day blends field science, community connection, and wild exploration. You’ll begin by traveling from Panama City into the rainforest, settling into campus, and taking your first hike to get a feel for the land.
The focus then turns to water in motion, as you learn how rivers work by measuring flows, turbidity, and sediments, and interviewing locals about the waterways they depend on. You’ll also use drones to map streams, forests, and watersheds from above, turning your field notes and interviews into predictive maps and analyses as you work in groups to connect science to real-world problems. Big treks and big ideas follow, including hikes to the continental divide, plunges into waterfalls, and discussions on forest succession, carbon storage, and deforestation.
Along the way, you’ll meet local leaders, explore restoration and permaculture projects, and join a “bio-blitz” to spot as much biodiversity as you can. As the program progresses, you’ll learn to identify forest types, calculate carbon in trees, and see how drones and field plots tell the story of forest health.
It all wraps up with presentations and story maps, where you tie together everything you’ve learned before heading back toward the city. By the end, you’ll have not only explored rivers, forests, and culture, but also contributed meaningful data to local conservation efforts—all while swimming in plunge pools, hiking rugged trails, and seeing Panama’s natural beauty up close.
Gunayala, San Blas Islands Days 9-12
May 16-19, 2026
JOURNEY TO THE IDYLLIC ARCHIPELAGO OF THE SAN BLAS GUNA ISLANDS AND ONE OF THEIR MAINLAND JUNGLE COMMUNITIES
The second half of your journey takes you from the rainforest to the Caribbean, where you’ll explore the unique world of the Guna people and the stunning Guna Yala archipelago. This portion of the trip is about contrasts—between jungle and island living—and the ingenious ways these communities thrive in their environments.
You’ll start by traveling to Nusagandi, teaching to their forest guardians advanced field tools like mapping, GPS, drones, and where you'll learn from them their conservation techniques before heading out to the islands.
From there, you’ll boat through coastal mangroves and hike into a jungle village, experiencing firsthand the cultural resilience of the Guna. The following days bring you closer to island life: strolling sandy paths between thatched homes, hearing stories of history, customs, and traditions that have been carefully preserved across generations. You’ll also dive into environmental issues, exploring how coral reefs form and erode, and learning about the invasive lionfish, even participating in removal efforts to support local ecosystems.
A highlight is a day of archipelago exploration, where you’ll snorkel around “sunken islands” and shipwrecks, witnessing the vibrant marine world that surrounds these communities.
Panama City: Days 13-18
May 19 - May 24, 2026
Complete your journeys in Panama City, a concrete jungle rich in history and its famous canal.
The final stage of the program brings you to Panama City, a vibrant capital that blends cutting-edge modernity with centuries of history. Your home base will be Casco Viejo, the UNESCO World Heritage–listed historic district known for its colorful colonial architecture, lively plazas, and rich cultural atmosphere.
These days are focused on reflection, synthesis, and sharing the work you’ve done throughout the program. You’ll spend time refining your projects and presentations, including a visit to the Guna Mola Museum to deepen your understanding of Panama’s cultural heritage. A guided walking tour of Casco Viejo will give you a chance to explore its cobblestone streets, landmark buildings, and bustling markets.
As the week progresses, you’ll present your findings to invited stakeholders over an evening dinner, celebrating the knowledge gained and relationships built.
The program closes with a deeper look at Panama’s natural and engineering marvels—starting with a visit to the striking Biomuseo, designed by Frank Gehry, and continuing to the Miraflores Locks for an up-close view of the Panama Canal, including a special iMax screening.
Credits:
Mark Arie Knetsch & BioCultural Adventures