Reporting on climate, conservation, and ecological issues in Panama. We highlight scientific findings, policy responses, and community sustainability efforts.
Panama has been ranked among the 13 countries with the best air quality in the world, a result that authorities welcome while urging caution in how it is interpreted. The finding highlights the country’s environmental standing and the importance of preserving it as development continues.
Environment Minister Juan Carlos Navarro said the La Villa River water reaching treatment plant intakes meets the requirements for potabilization. The statement underscores the river’s importance to Panama’s drinking-water supply.
Communities in Chiriquí along the Inter-American Highway continue to face poor nighttime lighting, exposing safety risks and uneven public investment. The problem underscores broader inequality in basic services across Panama.
An audit of the mining project in Donoso found exposed sulfide material and raised a possible acid drainage concern. The fifth SGS Panama report reviewed 147 environmental commitments tied to the project.
A 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s Northern Maluku Sea, killing one person, damaging buildings and triggering tsunami waves in five locations. Authorities are monitoring dozens of aftershocks as coastal areas assess the impact.
Panama’s Environment Ministry has launched a 2026 sea turtle protection plan for the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The program stresses that success depends on residents and visitors supporting conservation efforts.
A magnitude 7.4 offshore earthquake near Indonesia’s Ternate briefly triggered a tsunami warning before officials lifted it. The event highlights the persistent seismic risk across the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Panama’s MIDA and IDIAP have launched a project to recover marañón production in the Arco Seco after fungal damage affected crops. The initiative aims to support farmers and restore yields in a key agricultural region.
An alliance is promoting solar power installations in hard-to-reach areas of Panama while training 22 students over eight months in solar energy installation. The effort combines renewable energy access with workforce development.
Sinaproc has issued a Pacific coast swell alert for Panama through April 5, warning of rough surf and hazardous coastal conditions. Residents, visitors, and boat operators are advised to take precautions.
Planes are dropping millions of sterile flies over the Panama-Colombia border in a long-running campaign to stop screwworms from spreading. The effort protects livestock and helps defend Panama’s role as a regional biosecurity barrier.
Bocas del Toro confirmed Panama’s first bovine rabies case of 2026, prompting renewed calls for livestock vaccination. Authorities urged producers to protect all susceptible animals.
NASA has started fueling Artemis II ahead of a planned launch from Florida that would send four astronauts into lunar orbit for the first time since 1972. The 10-day mission could also set a record as the farthest crewed flight from Earth.
Panama’s Ministry of Environment has deployed more than 700 officials nationwide for Holy Week 2026 to protect natural areas and support visitors. The operation targets beaches, forests, rivers, and protected zones during one of the country’s busiest travel periods.
Panama is experiencing high heat index conditions, with isolated showers expected on the Caribbean side. Authorities are urging hydration, sun protection, and caution at sea.
Sargassum streaks were seen near Colón and Limón Bay on Panama’s Caribbean coast, highlighting the region’s recurring seaweed influxes. The event underscores ongoing pressure on coastal habitats and shoreline conditions.
The University of Panama’s Faculty of Agricultural Sciences has opened a new Center for Research and Production in a Controlled Environment. The facility is set to support agricultural training, experimentation, and applied production.
Panama’s frequent rain is often wasted as runoff, but better home design and water capture systems could turn it into a practical resource. Rainwater use can ease pressure on drinking supplies while helping reduce flooding and water waste.
Panama City’s buried rivers, wetlands, and coastal systems still shape the capital, even as urban growth has pushed many out of sight. The piece calls for planning that restores the city’s relationship with water.
Uncontrolled burns in Coclé damaged onion, pepper, and tomato fields, including irrigation pipes needed to keep crops producing. Farmers now face added costs to replace the systems and continue planting.