Reporting on climate, conservation, and ecological issues in Panama. We highlight scientific findings, policy responses, and community sustainability efforts.
El Niño forecasts are renewing concerns that lower rainfall could reduce water levels along the Panama Canal, potentially affecting transits and global shipping. The warning highlights the canal’s dependence on freshwater reserves and climate conditions.
Panama City Hall has opened registration for a free recycling art course at Plaza Las Américas, with a certificate offered to participants. The program blends creativity and sustainability for residents interested in creative reuse.
A U.S.-participated inspection of the Bridge of the Americas after an explosion has concluded, and the report will be delivered next week to Panama’s public works ministry and President Mulino. The bridge’s importance to canal traffic and national mobility makes the findings especially significant.
U.S. engineers are inspecting Panama’s Bridge of the Americas after a fire. The technical report is scheduled to be delivered to the Ministry of Public Works on April 13.
Darién leads Panama’s Harpy Eagle stronghold, with the species concentrated in key protected forests and supported by community conservation efforts. Officials say the population remains stable but still faces habitat and awareness challenges.
Panama has authorized Minera Panamá to process exposed material at Cobre Panamá under strict limits that bar new mining activity. The plan could generate royalties, jobs and supplier spending while officials monitor environmental safeguards.
Panama is forecast to have favorable marine conditions, scattered rain in several regions, and UV-B radiation levels that range from moderate to very high across both coasts. Authorities are advising caution with prolonged sun exposure during the morning and afternoon.
Scientists in Panama are using a portable seismograph to evaluate how buildings may respond to earthquakes. The research is intended to improve understanding of structural vulnerability and support disaster preparedness.
Río Indio is back at the center of Panama’s canal water strategy as drought, El Niño and growing demand increase pressure on Gatún Lake. The planned reservoir could support both canal operations and metropolitan water supply for decades.
Marañón cultivation has returned in Coclé after a fungus caused shortages in Panama. The recovery signals progress for farmers and local supply.
A Panamanian study finds rainfall in the Panama Canal watershed has declined for decades and could fall about 10% more by 2050. The findings raise new concerns for water supply and canal operations.
Schools in Chiriquí took part in an earthquake drill designed to strengthen risk management plans and improve preparedness across the educational community. The exercise reinforced response procedures for students and staff in case of seismic activity.
Bridge construction is advancing in the Ngäbe Buglé comarca as residents push for deeper investment in roads, schools and long-term public works. The area still has widespread infrastructure gaps, including schools in aging structures built decades ago.
SINAPROC supported a national school drill across Panama, reinforcing emergency preparedness in educational settings. The exercise focused on coordination, evacuation, and safety procedures.
Authorities in Tortí detained five people in an anti-illegal-mining operation and seized gold and equipment used for unlawful extraction. The enforcement action highlights Panama’s ongoing fight against environmental crimes tied to mineral theft.
Panama’s agricultural quarantine service reinforced its phytosanitary barrier after inspectors found 798 insects in incoming goods. Most detections were in products meant for consumption.
A renewed El Niño watch is putting the Panama Canal back under scrutiny after its recent drought recovery. The waterway’s dependence on rainfall keeps climate conditions central to shipping and trade planning.
Environmental groups in Panama are warning that Bill 571 could weaken protections for coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves after passing first debate in the National Assembly. Supporters say the measure updates marine law, while critics call it a dangerous rollback.
A proposed pedestrian and bicycle tunnel under the Panama Canal remains under consideration, keeping alive an unusual plan to let people cross the trade route on foot or by bike. The project would add a new mobility link beneath one of Panama’s most important landmarks.
Panama is under a weather alert through April 11 as a low-pressure system brings rain and thunderstorms across the country. The conditions could affect travel, outdoor activity, and flood-prone areas.