Espavé, 2025 - ongoing
Deep in El Espavé, Panama, men like José Tejada, Juan Manuel Mendoza, and Manuel Figueroa make a living producing charcoal from the mangroves of Chame Bay. Each family-owned kiln burns for a week, yielding 110 sacks, sold for just $3.50 each to restaurants and other buyers. Mangrove charcoal is prized for its high heat and long burn time, making it ideal for cooking and grilling. The government has threatened to shut them down but has offered no alternatives. Despite this, they are working toward sustainability by planting mangroves and using other types of wood.
