---
title: "Panama Canal Authority and Monjasa Launch Five-Year Sustainability Partnership for Watershed Communities"
date: 2026-01-13
modified: 2026-03-19
author: ""
url: https://panamadaily.news/2026/01/13/panama-canal-monjasa-sustainability-agreement/
categories:
  - "Business"
  - "Environment"
  - "News"
tags:
  - "decarbonization"
  - "Monjasa"
  - "Panama Canal"
  - "SDGs"
  - "sustainability"
  - "watershed communities"
---

# Panama Canal Authority and Monjasa Launch Five-Year Sustainability Partnership for Watershed Communities

## What Happened

The Panama Canal Authority and Monjasa, a global supplier of marine fuels, signed a five-year Cooperation Agreement to develop initiatives benefiting communities within the Panama Canal Watershed (CHCP) and other areas of Panama. The agreement was signed by Ilya Espino de Marotta, Deputy Administrator of the Panama Canal, and Rasmus Jacobsen, Managing Director of Monjasa Americas.

## Agreement Scope and Goals

The strategic alliance outlines targeted projects in environmental protection, comprehensive well-being, culture, community development, and education. All initiatives are designed to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and integrate the three dimensions of sustainability: environmental, social, and governance (ESG).

Specific actions mentioned in the agreement include efforts toward decarbonization and emissions reduction in line with the International Maritime Organization’s objectives, the adoption of ESG criteria and sustainable practices, and the promotion of volunteer programs and community engagement.

## Signatories and Statements

The agreement was formally signed by Ilya Espino de Marotta for the Panama Canal and by Rasmus Jacobsen for Monjasa. In the signing ceremony, the Panama Canal’s representative said, “This agreement reaffirms our commitment to working with strategic partners to promote sustainable actions that endure over time and contribute to a more responsible future.”

Rasmus Jacobsen of Monjasa added: “Monjasa fuels global maritime trade and it is a privilege to further deepen our relationship with the Panama Canal Authority on this important agenda. Our local presence must also benefit the communities and the environment around the Panama Canal.”

## Implementation and Compliance

The agreement establishes a framework for jointly designing, developing, and executing projects that respect the strategies, capacities, and standards of each signatory. It also emphasizes full compliance with the legal frameworks that govern each party’s activities.

## What This Means

The partnership represents a public-private collaboration focused on reducing environmental impact and creating shared value for communities tied to the Panama Canal watershed. By aligning projects with SDGs and IMO decarbonization goals, the agreement signals a commitment to long-term sustainability and community resilience around one of Panama’s most critical national assets.

## Visuals

The Panama Canal Authority provided photos from the signing ceremony showing officials from both organizations at the event.

Sources: Panama Canal Authority press release.