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Panama's mountains and forests, coastlines and archipielafos, indigenous cultures and ruins makes it much more than a canal. Read this guide to learn more.

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Panama's mountains and forests, coastlines and archipielafos, indigenous cultures and ruins makes it much more than a canal. Read this guide to learn more.

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panama is fun

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Panama’s 76 protected areas are composed of national parks, marine parks, wildlife reserves, protected wetlands, and buffer forests. Altogether these areas cover nearly two million hectares (almost 5 million acres), some 25 percent of the country’s total area. Most protected areas are a part of the country’s 13 national parks or marine parks. There is also one massive international park (Parque Internacional La Amistad) that is shared with Costa Rica. The Autoridad Nacional del Ambiente (ANAM), Panama’s environmental authority, manages all the parks and protected areas.

Panama’s first national park was established in 1966. This park, Parque Nacional Altos de Campana, began Panama’s shift towards greater environmental conservation. Since then the country has moved slowly towards environmental awareness and sustainability. There is, however, still a long way to go. Illegal hunting, fishing, farming and logging still take place in some protected areas, and many crucial outdoor areas remain without even nominal protectio

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Sustainability

Panama has historically placed emphasis on the economy and development, while disregarding the effect that this development may have on the environment. As a result, sustainability is a relatively new term for this country. The government still tends to act in the interest of powerful groups that exploit rather than preserve the country’s natural resources. Climate change is also expected to have a significant impact on Panama, as far as water, energy, and human security are concerned. To both sustain a strong economy and mitigate the effects of climate change, it is crucial for Panama to protect natural ecosystems and create sustainable economic alternatives for stakeholders.

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Panama’s 76 protected areas are composed of national parks, marine parks, wildlife reserves, protected wetlands, and buffer forests. Altogether these areas cover nearly two million hectares (almost 5 million acres), some 25 percent of the country’s total area. Most protected areas are a part of the country’s 13 national parks or marine parks. There is also one massive international park (Parque Internacional La Amistad) that is shared with Costa Rica. The Autoridad Nacional del Ambiente (ANAM), Panama’s environmental authority, manages all the parks and protected areas.

Panama’s first national park was established in 1966. This park, Parque Nacional Altos de Campana, began Panama’s shift towards greater environmental conservation. Since then the country has moved slowly towards environmental awareness and sustainability. There is, however, still a long way to go. Illegal hunting, fishing, farming and logging still take place in some protected areas, and many crucial outdoor areas remain without even nominal protection.

All of Panama’s parks have ranger stations. Facilities can be pretty basic and there will generally only be a ranger or two around. Still, these rangers can help visitors decide how to explore the park and provide valuable information concerning flora and fauna. Trail systems differ from park to park, but most are simple and adequate for hiking. When hiking, pay attention to posted signs and be aware of where you’re going—you wouldn’t want to get lost out here.

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However, in the 20th century Panama began to take positive steps in the opposite direction. The country began to create protected areas (including parks and wildlife refuges), write environmental laws, and establish conservation agencies. As Panama watched other countries in the region work to protect their own natural resources, some in the government took notice and urged their country to follow suit.

Panama’s economy has always been tied to its unique location. Dating back to the Spanish gold trade in the 17th century, this tiny isthmus has been the focus of trade, natural resource extraction, and transcontinental economic exchange for centuries. These days it’s no different. The Panama Canal is being expanded and Panama City is becoming a mecca for foreign business and banking. All of this can, however, come at a cost to the environment. Industry – whether in the form of tourism or mining operations – can exact a huge toll on nature. When roads are built, real-estate developments, hydroelectric projects, and farms often follow.

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We can define ecology as a defense and protection of nature and the environment. We have seen how this government has been concerned and has given priority to the Panama Bay Sanitation project and is advancing by leaps and bounds. Very soon, we will have a fully sanitized Bay and the inhabitants of more than 20 corregimientos will benefit directly upon completion of this project.


The central government is already contributing directly to the preservation of the Panamanian ecology, putting in place the sanitation project of that bay. I think it is the duty of the different municipalities to implement a teaching plan and selective collection of batteries for their subsequent treatment.

This could be the first step towards the establishment of a waste management system that considers appropriate treatment and avoid irremediable impacts on the environment and health of all Panamanians. 'Then God looked on all that he had made, and saw that it was very good,' Genesis 1:31. It is the duty of all, to contribute in the preservation of one of the most precious gifts that God entrusted to us, namely nature and the environment.