Reporting on climate, conservation, and ecological issues in Panama. We highlight scientific findings, policy responses, and community sustainability efforts.
Panama City is preparing to bid out three major urban renewal projects at Plaza 5 de Mayo, Avenida 3 de Noviembre, and Calle Estudiante. The plans could improve mobility, public space, and local commerce if they are backed by long-term management and coordination.
Darién remains Panama’s key stronghold for the harpy eagle, where protected rainforest and community monitoring help sustain nesting sites. Conservation efforts there are central to the survival of the national bird.
IDAAN’s Chame water plant is operating at half capacity after a pump failure, causing low pressure and outages in Gorgona, Coronado and Punta Barco. The disruption is affecting homes and businesses across Panama Oeste.
Residents of Penonomé are voicing frustration over the removal of guayacán trees along the Inter-American Highway. The trees are especially missed during their flowering season, when they are at their most distinctive.
Finnfund has extended a $15 million loan to Toucan Forestal to support forest restoration in Panama. The financing underscores growing international interest in environmental recovery projects in the country.
A platform is mapping abandoned animal reports across Panama, with the highest concentrations in Panama Norte, Panama Este, and San Miguelito. The tool is helping rescue efforts focus on recurring hotspots such as Belisario Frías.
Panama faces a hot day with intermittent rain in different areas and UV-B radiation levels expected to remain high to extreme nationwide. Residents are advised to take sun protection measures throughout the day.
Sudan’s war has displaced more than nine million people and pushed nearly 29 million into acute hunger, worsening one of the world’s gravest humanitarian crises. The conflict is also fueling regional instability and a growing refugee burden.
Residents and local authorities in Colón are urging IDAAN to begin rehabilitation work at the Nueva Providencia pumping station, which supplies potable water to several communities. The delay has sparked criticism over the condition of a key piece of water infrastructure.
Lemon sharks have been confirmed in Coiba, while repeated juvenile sightings in Bocagrande support the idea that the estuary serves as a natural nursery. The finding highlights the conservation value of Panama’s Pacific marine habitats.
An inspection of the Bridge of the Americas found no visible critical damage, but heavy vehicle restrictions will remain while maintenance is recommended. The bridge continues to undergo further testing and monitoring.
More than 2,900 families in Bocas del Toro, Veraguas and Ngäbe Buglé have been affected by heavy rains that damaged crops, livestock and rural infrastructure. The storm impacts also destroyed aqueducts and collapsed hanging bridges in several communities.
Heavy rains in Panama have affected nearly 3,000 families, with Indigenous and northern regions among the hardest hit. The storm impacts highlight the country’s ongoing vulnerability to severe weather.
SENAFRONT detected an illegal mining camp at the headwaters of the Sábalo River in Darién and arrested four people during the operation. The case highlights ongoing enforcement challenges in one of Panama’s most remote provinces.
Wildfires have scorched more than 300 hectares in Chiriquí during the dry season, prompting authorities to renew warnings against open burning. Officials say avoiding burns is key to preventing fast-moving fires.
The Chilibre water treatment plant is back to full operation after damage over the weekend. The return to normal output is important for Panama City’s water supply.
Security forces dismantled an illegal mining camp in Darién province and detained four people during a joint operation near the Sábalo River. Authorities seized suspected gold, dredging equipment, and other items linked to illicit activity.
Super Typhoon Sinlaku slammed the Northern Mariana Islands, hitting Tinian and Saipan with hours of ferocious winds. The Pacific storm put nearly 50,000 residents at risk of damage and disruption.
Heavy rains in Panama have affected 2,954 families, damaged roads and homes, and killed a teenager in the Ngäbe Buglé comarca. Schools have closed in parts of Veraguas and Bocas del Toro as emergency crews deliver aid.
Vegetation fires are surging across Panama, with the Bomberos reporting 2,359 cases through April 13, 2026, up from 1,629 in the same period last year. The increase is straining emergency response teams and raising safety concerns nationwide.