Reporting on climate, conservation, and ecological issues in Panama. We highlight scientific findings, policy responses, and community sustainability efforts.
Panama is set for rainy conditions in mountain areas while much of the country remains under intense heat. The forecast highlights the sharp weather contrasts typical of the country’s tropical climate.
Panama is preparing for a possible El Niño in 2026, raising fresh concerns over drought, water supplies and Canal operations. Forecasts point to a higher chance of the climate pattern emerging in the second half of the year.
Panama’s March for Science marks 10 years with a call for stronger funding and a bigger role for research in solving the country’s climate and water challenges. Organizers say science, not just the Panama Canal, should be treated as a pillar of national development.
Panama remains central to efforts to stop the New World screwworm from spreading north, with a sterile fly facility helping maintain the barrier in the Darien Gap. The program is designed to protect livestock, communities, and regional animal health.
MiAmbiente fined a company $10,000 for pollution in the Matasnillo River and urged businesses to eliminate contamination at its source. The case highlights Panama’s broader push to protect urban waterways.
Panama’s Ministry of Public Works will install 28 real-time sensors on the Bridge of the Americas as heavy-vehicle restrictions stay in effect. The bridge remains limited to vehicles weighing no more than 10 tons.
Panama’s Environment Ministry suspended a Marbella construction project and fined it $10,000 after detecting an illegal discharge into the Matasnillo River. The case followed a citizen complaint and an inspection that confirmed a clandestine stormwater connection.
MIDA carried out a bat control operation in southern Veraguas and also inspected cattle for screwworm, offering livestock producers combined animal-health support. The effort focused on protecting herds and strengthening veterinary oversight in the province.
The University of Panama is promoting a jeans recycling campaign that will turn donated denim into school bags for children at El Salado school in La Pintada. The project blends environmental reuse with direct community support.
Panama will carry out a deep diagnostic of the water system in Azuero with support from the United States while sanitary measures remain in place. The effort aims to clarify the causes of the region’s water crisis and guide the next response steps.
MiAmbiente has installed rainwater harvesting systems in Los Santos to help communities in Azuero cope with water shortages and climate variability. The project is part of a wider push to strengthen resilience in one of Panama’s driest regions.
Heavy rains in northern Veraguas caused rivers to swell and damaged several homes in Calovébora. The incident underscores the flooding risk faced by river-adjacent communities during intense rainfall.
Panama has asked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to help diagnose the water crisis in Azuero, where contamination of the La Villa and Estibaná rivers has left tap water unsafe to drink. Authorities say well drilling, plant repairs and other contingency measures are ongoing while they prepare a longer-term plan.
Panama’s Health Ministry will meet with U.S. engineers on Friday as authorities respond to the water crisis in Azuero. The coordination reflects growing concern over water service and public health in the region.
A rise in the Río Veraguas affected 58 families, damaging homes and leaving some residents exposed to material losses and unsafe conditions. Four houses were hit directly by the current, and 18 more had water inside.
Panama and the Hague Academy of International Law are promoting a conference and specialized courses on the Canal Neutrality Treaty. The initiative highlights the treaty’s enduring importance to Panama’s sovereignty and the canal’s global role.
Panama plans to open two new water distribution rings in the city, a move officials say could help about 600,000 people in Panama Norte and Panama Este. The project is part of the response to ongoing water supply strain in the capital area.
Panama’s Civil Protection agency has warned of Pacific coast tides reaching up to 17 feet from April 17 to April 20, 2026. Officials say the high-water event raises flooding risks for coastal communities and infrastructure.
Panama City’s sewer system has turned up mattresses, bicycles, engine parts and even live animals during recent inspections. The findings highlight how improper waste disposal continues to strain a major public sanitation project.
The Mendoza water treatment plant is operating at 75% capacity after an incident affecting its raw water intake. The Panama Canal Authority is managing the facility while keeping service active.