Reporting on climate, conservation, and ecological issues in Panama. We highlight scientific findings, policy responses, and community sustainability efforts.
Panama’s water crisis is more than an infrastructure issue: it affects urban growth, public spaces and daily life. The country’s abundant rainfall contrasts with persistent access and management problems.
Panama’s National Assembly has approved a bill that would weaken protections for coral reefs and seagrass beds, sending the measure to President José Raúl Mulino. The reform has sparked concern over its impact on coastal ecosystems and marine biodiversity.
Authorities in Coclé are warning citrus producers to watch for signs of a bacterial threat, especially yellowing leaves, and report symptoms quickly to MIDA. The alert aims to protect orchards and limit spread across Panama’s farm sector.
Authorities in Darién rescued a white-faced capuchin monkey and a toucan from homes in Zapallal and Arimae. The protected animals are now being evaluated for possible return to the wild.
An American crocodile spotted near Juan Hombrón beach has prompted experts to remind the public to keep a safe distance. Specialists say the reptile may have been drawn closer by food availability.
A family in Herrera rescued a pygmy owl during its flight-learning stage and handed it over for recovery under Panama’s Ministry of Environment. The case highlights the importance of community action in wildlife protection.
AAUD carried out a cleaning and ditch-dredging operation in several sectors of San Miguelito. The work aimed to improve drainage and support neighborhood sanitation.
The Ministry of Public Works is stabilizing a critical section of the Arraiján–La Chorrera highway at Cerro Silvestre after repeated landslides. Drivers heading inland face one-lane traffic during morning and early afternoon hours.
A technical meeting in Herrera reviewed how climate conditions affect agriculture and how agroclimatic tables feed quarterly bulletins for producers. The effort aims to support Panama’s farm sector with climate guidance.
Authorities in Darién rescued a white-faced capuchin monkey and a toucan found in captivity in Zapallal and Arimae. The operation was carried out by Senafront and the Ministry of Environment.
The Panama Canal is facing rising pressure from climate-related water stress and global strategic competition. For Panama, protecting the canal’s reliability is becoming a major economic and geopolitical priority.
The IMO has restarted negotiations on a global plan to cut shipping emissions, with Panama’s Arsenio Domínguez urging confidence as talks continue. The committee also approved new anti-pollution measures and warned about marine risks in the Strait of Hormuz.
Panama’s Municipality launched a school recycling and environmental education plan with a new collection station at Escuela Cirilo J. Martínez in Pedregal. The pilot will reach 11 schools and more than 12,000 people in the district.
Panama’s Idaan has received billions over two decades, but chronic underfunding, outdated tariffs and weak execution continue to strain the country’s water system. Officials and analysts are now pressing for deeper reforms in governance, maintenance and investment.
Panama’s water crisis has spread from Azuero to parts of the capital, exposing years of infrastructure failures and weak water governance. The government’s response is facing criticism as residents continue to rely on trucks, bottled water, and temporary fixes.
Panama records a traffic accident every 15 minutes, and a fatal crash in Chame that killed a family has renewed concern over road safety. The repeated deaths on the country’s roads highlight an urgent public safety problem.
Panama’s Río Indio reservoir project aims to secure water for the canal and households, but it also raises major environmental and resettlement concerns. The plan could reshape the watershed while affecting about 550 families.
Heavy rains in San Miguelito have heightened fears over falling trees, with fire department statistics showing 429 incidents recorded so far in 2026. The increase underscores growing safety concerns during Panama’s rainy season.
Heavy rains have pushed up river levels in parts of Coclé, leading Sinaproc to maintain constant surveillance in communities near Penonomé and La Pintada. Authorities are keeping watch for potential flooding and other weather-related risks.
Panama City is intensifying drainage cleaning in flood-prone neighborhoods, including Bella Vista and Paitilla, to help reduce street flooding during heavy rains. The effort targets low-lying areas near key routes and the Hospital del Niño.