Dr. Werner's model for iguana production in fence-rows employs strips of trees containing several rows of trees, stratified according to height. The tallest fastest growing species in the center are occupied by the largest iguanas, while fence post trees planted on the outside rows allow perches for smaller iguanas. Tree nurseries in Cabuya and Chupampa, Panama have been started and members of both communities are learning how to manage the trees for iguana farming. Twenty one farmers in Panama have begun planting shelterbelts for iguana raising. The researchers have identified 60 species of native plants that play some role in the iguana's feeding, resting, and defensive behavior.
Iguanas have little use for the widely used introduced tree species.
Trial plots of vegetation have been planted in strips 100 m long and 15-20 m wide. This income would offset the cost of planting trees and losing that land from traditional crop production. Werner is working with six Panamanian communities, and is involving others in Costa Rica, Honduras, and Guatemala. Essential to the success of the project has been community education. Dr. Werner established the Pro Iguana Verde Foundation, to continue the iguana project after Smithsonian funding terminated.