From Activism to Art, Alexandra Climent is on a Journey to Restore the Panamanian Rainforest
The 2023 United States Country Leader for the G20 Changemaker Summit merges woodworking with a commitment to preserving the trees of Panama’s Darién Gap
Straddling the countries of Panama and Colombia, the Darién Gap today remains a sparsely populated stretch of land covered by dense rainforest and a maze of marshes. In parts mountainous and traversed by rivers, journalists and explorers alike have described it as both wild and lawless — a dangerous swathe of land for adventure travelers and the many migrants who cross it annually in search of a better life elsewhere.
But taken in its entirety, the Darién Gap is much more than the sum of its parts. A vital ecological corridor connecting the Americas, it is a preserve for endangered tree species, wildlife diversity, and indigenous cultures. Indeed, it holds immense importance for the safeguarding of the planet’s ecosystem and the global community’s climate and biodiversity objectives.
Enter grassroots environmentalist and artist Alexandra Climent.
Selected as the 2023 United States Country Leader for the G20 Changemaker Summit and appointed as a “Next Generation Explorer” by The Explorers Club in New York City, of which she is a member, Ms. Climent has, for years, led expeditions deep into the heart of the Darién Gap of Panama, in search of endangered tree species for seed collection and to reclaim the wood from fallen trees for her artistic woodworking. Her efforts, however, are not limited to artistic creation. They are also a call for environmental and climate mobilization. Through her organization Endangered Rainforest Rescue, Ms. Climent works tirelessly to restore biodiversity on depleted land while prioritizing the protection of indigenous rights and primary forests.
“The intense beauty and power of the rainforest influenced me to take action, but it became clear that showcasing its glory was not enough; I needed to contribute actively to its preservation,” Ms. Climent explains.
“This is why inspiring collective action is so important; when we come together and unite, humanity can win.”
As the international community prepares for this year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference, we caught up with Alexandra Climent about her journey to establishing the Endangered Rainforest Rescue and how preserving the Darien Gap region is not only crucial on a local scale but also pivotal for worldwide climate mitigation efforts.
Alexandra Climent, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. What challenge speaks to you the most and how are you and your organization uniting to act for the SDGs?
From the very first time I set foot in the rainforest, I was struck by the intense feeling of life surrounding me. The loss of rainforests throughout our tropical ecosystems has a significant impact on our global weather patterns, emphasizing why protecting and restoring them should be at the forefront of any initiative to limit our planet’s warming. For me, safeguarding these habitats is inseparable from the fight against climate change. That’s why my organization, Endangered Rainforest Rescue, works directly to address SDG 13, Climate Action, along with SDG 15, Life On Land.
As a women-led and indigenous-led organization, we are committed to restoring biodiversity by reconnecting depleted land to primary forest, utilizing endangered tree species. Our approach involves integrating scientific data with indigenous knowledge to comprehend the depth of what is at stake in the forest — a crucial endeavor given escalating threats from human-induced exploitation and climate change. Our primary focus is on the Darién Gap of Panamá, a region of integral importance due to its geographical role in connecting the Americas. This area serves as a representation of the interconnectedness of our global ecosystems, a comprehension more critical now than ever. As an activist, I see it as my duty to bridge the gap between our understanding of the rainforest habitat’s significance and the global initiative to preserve our planet. The Darién Gap serves as a perfect metaphor, highlighting the profound importance of our interlinked world.
What has been a key turning point in your life? What inspired you to take action? What have you learned from this that gives you hope for the current turning point we find ourselves in?
Early in my career, I collected fallen trees in the Iwokrama Rainforest in Guyana for my sculptural and fine furniture work. I developed a deep connection to the material, from discovering it on the jungle floor to crafting each piece by hand. However, with each trip to the rainforest, I witnessed its gradual disappearance from my airplane window. The very trees I used for my art were under the threat of extinction. This realization marked a pivotal moment for me, prompting a shift in my expeditions. Instead of searching for fallen trees for my work, I redirected my efforts towards finding endangered tree species to gather their seeds for reforestation.
The intense beauty and power of the rainforest influenced me to take action, but it became clear that showcasing its glory was not enough; I needed to contribute actively to its preservation.
This transition was fueled by understanding the fragility of the environment and the urgency to protect it. Today, as we navigate the current turning point in our collective journey towards a sustainable future, I draw hope from the transformative impact of grassroots environmentalists. I’ve learned that small shifts in perspective can influence action, eventually leading to broader environmental conservation efforts. This is why inspiring collective action is so important; when we come together and unite, humanity can win.
As an artist, what role do you believe art plays in the fight against climate change?
From the start of my artistic journey, my pieces have been dedicated to exemplifying genuine sustainability — embodying a holistic cycle of use and restoration, crafting items intended to last for generations. The spirit of my work lies in providing a visual gateway to the rainforest for those who may never have the opportunity to experience it firsthand. In many instances, it proves challenging to instill a sense of concern for a place one has never visited, merely encountered through a movie screen or adventure novel. Through my work, I aim to bridge this gap, bringing people closer to the rainforest by allowing them to witness, through each piece, the intrinsic beauty of the materials originating from there.
Utilizing art as a means to engage people in conversations about climate change is a crucial strategy for dismantling the barriers to understanding the scientific complexities at play. Art possesses the unique ability to communicate directly to the heart, and in my work, I aim to evoke in others the same emotions I felt when I first experienced the rainforest. By drawing individuals into an emotional connection with the rainforest, perhaps the viewer will cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for the urgency of addressing the potential loss of this magical place.
Which individual or initiative inspires you to take action and continue to work towards a better future for all?
Until recently, maintaining hope was challenging for me. Discouraging updates on climate issues, combined with the recent approval of a mining contract in Panamá — where my organization operates — left me feeling deflated. The very areas I was dedicated to protecting were under threat of destruction. However, my hope was reignited after a trip to Panamá for Latin America and Caribbean Climate Week. I witnessed the entire country unite in protest against this contract. The unity and collective action of the Panamanian people resulted in an indefinite moratorium, preventing any new mining concessions in the future. This experience convinced me that we possess the power needed to overcome climate change.
What advice would you have for other young individuals looking to get involved with climate and environmental action?
In the beginning, only a few understood why I dedicated my life to the rainforest. It wasn’t the conventional path, but there was a feeling inside that I couldn’t ignore, and I knew I couldn’t do anything else. For young individuals who might have a similar instinct and wish to engage in climate and environmental action, my advice would be to harness that feeling and take action. Don’t let the fear of not knowing everything hold you back. Equally important is connecting with others who share a similar passion, as doing so develops a sense of camaraderie that can transform your individual passion into a collective flame.
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Learn more at www.endangeredrainforestrescue.org
