Giving Back
Endémico Lab Panama is a gastronomic laboratory focused on the research and conservation of Panama’s food biodiversity. Its primary goal is to promote the sustainable use of native ingredients and unconventional edible plants (PANC), as well as the preservation of heirloom seeds and traditional farming practices. Through its projects, such as the book on Panama’s heirloom rice and foraging experiences and community workshops, Endémico aims to highlight the richness of local products and the importance of ecological conservation.
Chef José Pérez Navarro, founder of Endémico, has traveled across Panama’s various ecosystems to discover wild ingredients like vanilla pompona, pataxte, and pipilongo, key elements in the project’s cuisine. Endémico also fosters a network of small foragers who contribute to the conservation of these resources and their integration into sustainable gastronomy.
Kaandela Casco Viejo not only celebrates Panamanian cuisine but also commits to supporting local production and the country’s biodiversity. In line with this philosophy, Kaandela has partnered with Endémico Lab Panama, a gastronomic laboratory dedicated to the conservation of native ingredients and wild Panamanian cuisine. This alliance aims to preserve and promote the sustainable use of native ingredients that enrich the national culinary culture.
As part of this collaboration, Kaandela is the official sponsor of the first book on Panama’s heirloom rice varieties, a project led by Endémico Lab. This book not only documents the history and diversity of local rice but also serves as a testament to the shared commitment of both entities to promoting traditional products and preserving the country’s gastronomic heritage.
The partnership between Kaandela and Endémico Lab highlights the importance of connecting haute cuisine with sustainability, supporting small local foragers and farmers, and fostering a cuisine that elevates the unique flavors of Panama.
KAANDELA - FARM TO FIRE
Visits to El Copé
At Kaandela Casco Viejo, our connection with the land and Panamanian culture goes beyond the kitchen. We have built a special bond with local producers through our visits to the countryside, specifically to El Copé, where a project dedicated to the conservation and production of Panamanian heritage rice is developed in collaboration with Endémico Lab Panamá.
These visits have allowed us to work closely with Panamanian producers, understand their processes, and ensure that the ingredients we use at Kaandela respect the environment and sustainable practices. We are proud to support these farmers who, with dedication and passion, cultivate unique products that reflect the diversity of our land.
Our participation in this project strengthens our commitment to honoring local gastronomy, promoting native ingredients, and contributing to sustainable development. This connection between field and kitchen allows us to offer an authentic and sustainable culinary experience in every dish we serve.
Yaguará Panama is a non-profit foundation committed to the conservation of the jaguar (Panthera onca), the largest feline in the Americas, and to promoting peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife in the country. Its primary mission is to ensure that these majestic animals continue to find refuge in Panama’s diverse ecosystems through scientific research, conflict mitigation, and community education.
Scientific Research
One of the key pillars of Yaguará Panama is generating knowledge through scientific research to improve conservation policies. It focuses on studying jaguar habitats, behaviors, and patterns, which allows for the implementation of effective conservation strategies that benefit both the felines and nearby communities.
Coexistence Between People and Jaguars
In rural areas, conflict between jaguars and livestock farmers is one of the biggest conservation challenges. Yaguará Panama works directly with these communities to foster peaceful coexistence by providing solutions that help minimize livestock losses and prevent retaliatory jaguar hunting.
Education and Outreach
The foundation also emphasizes education as a key tool for conservation. Through educational programs and awareness campaigns, they seek to empower local communities to play a central role in protecting jaguars and other wildlife.
Conservation Projects
United Nations Environment Programme
With the support of international organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Panama’s Ministry of Environment, Yaguará Panama participates in projects that restore fragmented habitats and promote sustainable practices. These projects are essential for reversing forest loss, one of the main threats to the jaguar in Panama.
Kaandela Casco Viejo
At Kaandela Casco Viejo, we are dedicated not only to highlighting Panamanian cuisine through dishes that showcase local products, but also to supporting the country’s biodiversity. For this reason, we have established a partnership with Yaguará Panama, an organization devoted to the protection of the jaguar and its habitat in Panama.
Preservation of Jaguars
Through this collaboration, we aim to support the conservation of this majestic feline, an emblem of our wildlife, by contributing to its protection and fostering peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife. Every dish served at Kaandela reflects our passion for Panama, and now, is also a symbol of our commitment to biodiversity and the preservation of jaguars.
DIVE INTO THE AMARLA UNIVERSE
