What Happened
Panama’s Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) and Ministry of Public Works (MOP) announced the establishment of Sierra Llorona National Park and the construction of the country’s first so-called ecological highway in Colón province. The dual move aims to protect a vital forested corridor while advancing the Corredor del Caribe road project with an emphasis on minimizing environmental impact.
Project details
The new park covers more than 16,000 hectares between the districts of Portobelo and Colón, with over 80% of that area still forested. Authorities say the area functions as an important biological corridor connecting Parque Nacional Chagres and Parque Nacional Portobelo, facilitating natural wildlife movement.
The Corredor del Caribe is a roughly 28-kilometer route that will link María Chiquita with Santa Rita Arriba. The project is already about 40% complete and has been redesigned under an environmental approach to reduce its footprint. Measures announced include prohibiting heavy vehicles, imposing a 40 km/h speed limit, using existing roadways where possible, and installing control posts (garitas).
Wildlife protections
A signature element of the road redesign is the incorporation of 35 wildlife crossings. These are intended for a variety of species and include aerial passages for arboreal animals, terrestrial passages for mammals such as ñeques, saínos, ocelots and larger felines, and structures adapted for species associated with waterways. Officials describe these features as central to allowing the safe transit of wildlife across the new route.
Official statements and management
Environment Minister Juan Carlos Navarro said the park protects “an area of enormous environmental value and extraordinary biodiversity,” emphasizing a balance between conservation and sustainable development. MOP Minister José Luis Andrade said the Corredor del Caribe “will not only improve connectivity to Costa Arriba de Colón, but also boost tourism and the regional economy, integrating modern infrastructure with environmental protection.”
What this means
Authorities indicated that communities, scientists and academic institutions will be promoted to participate in park management, framing the initiative as a model that combines resource conservation with sustainable regional development. The project signals a policy shift toward integrating infrastructure planning with biodiversity safeguards in a region that serves as a key biological link between protected areas.