What Happened
Business leaders in Chiriquí are throwing their support behind Puerto Barú, a port project promoted as a major investment for the western province, while the plan remains under review by Panama’s Ministry of Environment after a request from UNESCO tied to possible effects on Coiba National Park.
Ocean Pacific Financial Services Corp, the company behind the project, says its technical studies rule out environmental harm. The firm points to its Environmental Impact Study, Category III, which says marine currents in the project area do not flow toward Coiba and therefore would not carry sediment toward the protected site.
The company also says the Ministry of Environment backed that conclusion and notified UNESCO in May 2024 that the project would not create direct or indirect impacts on the national park or its marine protection zone.
Local Business Support
Two Chiriquí organizations, the Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Agriculture and Tourism (Camchi) and the Western Region Competitiveness Center (Cecomro), issued a joint statement in support of Puerto Barú. They argue that negative messages about the project are not accidental and warn of possible manipulation of public opinion by foreign actors and local economic interests.
Both groups say Panama needs clear rules and respect for the decisions of the authorities to attract foreign investment. In their view, Puerto Barú would help create jobs, strengthen the local economy, and improve the province’s long-term competitiveness.
For Camchi and Cecomro, the issue is not only environmental protection but also legal certainty and investor confidence. They contend that major projects can be delayed unfairly when public debate is driven by misinformation rather than technical evidence.
UNESCO Review and State Deadline
Joana Abrego, legal manager at the Center for Environmental Advocacy (CIAM), said the UNESCO review comes from the World Heritage Committee, which is seeking assurance that the project will not damage Coiba. Panama must submit its final report by December 1, 2026.
Abrego also noted that the Ministry of Environment communication dated May 23, 2024, cited by the company, was issued by then-minister Milcíades Concepción shortly before the end of the previous administration. She said UNESCO sought a new review to ensure transparency and protection of the protected area.
Why It Matters
Puerto Barú has become a test case for how Panama balances economic development with environmental safeguards. Supporters see it as a strategic project for Chiriquí that could generate direct and indirect employment, expand port activity, and boost regional growth.
The dispute also highlights a broader national concern: whether large-scale investment projects can move forward with enough legal certainty while still meeting conservation standards for internationally recognized natural areas such as Coiba National Park.