Association of Professionals of the Darien for Integral and Sustainable Development (APRODISO)

APRODISO, founded in 2004, is a non-profit organization based in the Darien region of Panama. Their objectives are far-reaching and broad, and include promoting sustainable development through ecological and organic agriculture initiatives, natural resource conservation, entrepreneurship, tourism initiatives, gender equity, and opportunities for vulnerable populations.

APRODISO acts as an umbrella organization for local cooperatives and community groups, promoting and managing development projects across the region. Since its inception, APRODISO has leveraged the expertise of its members and relationships with international grant makers to gain over $20 million in funds for local development initiatives. In addition to acquiring and managing grants, APRODISO also serves the region by providing organizations with technical assistance, training, resource mobilization, and project design and implementation support.

APRODISO also creates job opportunities in the Darien region by running a number of social enterprises, including an internet café and a 15-acre farm. They are in the process of starting up a plantain processing plant to support the growth of their organization.