Reporting on climate, conservation, and ecological issues in Panama. We highlight scientific findings, policy responses, and community sustainability efforts.
A 2025 collapse in Panama’s long-running ocean pattern ended a 40-year streak, signaling a major shift in marine conditions around the country. The change could affect coastal ecosystems, fisheries, and environmental planning.
A proposed change to Panama’s marine protection law is sparking concern over weaker safeguards for seagrass beds and reef habitats. Critics warn the reform could expose fragile coastal ecosystems, especially in Bocas del Toro, to greater risk.
Panama’s National Assembly has advanced a bill that would weaken strict protections for marine ecosystems, drawing criticism from environmental groups and scientists. The Ministry of Environment supports the change, while opponents warn it could open the door to more coastal development.
Panama is seeing hotter conditions, and specialists are warning about the health risks tied to strong ultraviolet exposure. The heat is a reminder to take sun protection seriously.
In Azuero, wells can ease water shortages, but only after geological studies, pumping tests and laboratory analysis confirm the water is safe. The message is clear: groundwater must be understood before it can be trusted.
A study found that Panama’s seasonal ocean cooling cycle collapsed in 2025, ending a 40-year pattern tied to strong trade winds and marine productivity. The disruption raises concerns about coastal ecosystems and fisheries.
Illegal fishing is threatening Panama’s marine ecosystems, coastal livelihoods and cultural identity. The fishing sector remains vital to food security, tradition and the economy.
Water shortages have spread into central Panama City, and IDAAN says there is still no defined date for full service to return. The disruption is now affecting a wider part of the capital.
Panama’s river pollution response has been formally closed in a DREF final report for operation MDRPA021. The case underscores the public health and environmental risks tied to contaminated waterways.
Farmers in Panama are protesting a proposed reservoir on the Indio River, a project aimed at protecting Panama Canal water supplies during future droughts. The plan highlights the growing conflict between canal water needs and rural livelihoods.
Panama’s Gulf of Panama experienced a rare failure of its seasonal upwelling in 2025, ending a 40-year pattern that supports fisheries and coastal ecosystems. Scientists link the disruption to unusually weak winds and warn of climate-related risks for tropical oceans.
Panama’s Supreme Court has allowed prosecutors to continue investigating contamination of the La Villa River in Azuero. The case is tied to a wider water crisis that has affected more than 100,000 people in Herrera and Los Santos.
The Panama Canal is monitoring forecasts for a potentially severe El Niño in 2026, with water levels currently still within a manageable range. Officials say reservoir conditions remain adequate, but past droughts show how quickly the system can come under pressure.
ARAP seized several sacks of shark fins in Puerto Panamá after finding two Panamanian citizens in possession of the cargo. The operation underscores Panama’s enforcement push against illegal marine trafficking.
Scientists recorded the first failure of the Gulf of Panama’s seasonal upwelling in over 40 years, a rare shift with implications for marine life and fisheries. The event raises concerns about changing ocean conditions along Panama’s Pacific coast.
Aid agencies warn that nearly eight million people in South Sudan are at risk of acute hunger amid a deepening humanitarian crisis. They say time is running out to prevent a catastrophic escalation.
Vandalism at a water intake in Chiriquí has left several communities without water for two days after thieves stole cable and copper from the station. The damage has disrupted service and raised costs for Idaan.
Scientists are concerned after a key seasonal ocean phase failed to develop in the Gulf of Panama, a pattern that has been observed for decades. The disruption could affect coastal waters, fisheries, and marine ecosystems along Panama’s Pacific coast.
Panama’s sanitation authorities are calling for stronger recycling habits and public awareness to keep plastic waste out of rivers and beaches. The push addresses a recurring trash problem with environmental and health consequences.
Panama City’s Mayor’s Office will mark Noise Awareness Day with a human chain and a minute of silence at Hatillo. The campaign highlights the health risks of noise pollution and the city’s 2025 noise rules.