We are not speaking from emotion, we are speaking from technical evidence. The Puerto Barú project aims to install a multipurpose port within one of the most extensive and ecologically relevant mangrove systems in Panama: the David Mangroves, in the Gulf of Chiriquí.
An independent analysis conducted by the US firm Lightning, specializing in hydrodynamic modeling and scientific advice for the U.S. government, reviewed the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the project and found significant technical inconsistencies.
These are 9 technical reasons to question the project.
1.- The project will be built in an area of mangrove forest protected since 2007 by Municipal Agreement of David, Chiriquí.
2. Massive dredging is required in a shallow estuary (naturally shallow area).
The site’s natural depth is up to 2 meters at low tide; to allow ships to enter, dredging to a depth of 11-12 meters would be necessary. This is the equivalent of a 3-story building.
📄 Lynker, p.4
3. There is a high risk of dispersion of fine sediments due to dredging.
With the ocean current, there is a risk that the dredging sediments will lead to the suffocation of mangroves and damage to reefs in the marine system of the Gulf of Chiriquí, which includes protected areas of international importance.
📄 Lynker, p.4-5
4. The areas near the proposed shipping routes are home to animal species such as humpback whales, dolphins, sharks and endangered sea turtles.
📄 Lynker, p.8
5. The mitigation strategies proposed by Puerto Barú do not appear adequate or supported by the available scientific evidence, particularly those related to dredging operations.
📄 Lynker, p. 11
6. The project presents a risk of accidental spillage of pollutants from maritime traffic.
📄 Lynker, p.4
7. The impact of dredging and its sediments can:
- Reducing sunlight limits photosynthesis and mangrove growth.
- Obstructing aerial roots, affecting their respiration and causing tree death.
- Burying seedlings, preventing the natural regeneration of the ecosystem.
- Altering the habitat, affecting fish, crustaceans and associated birds.
- Modifying salinity, generating ecological stress and loss of biodiversity.
📄 Lynker, p.4
8. Puerto Barú does not apply lessons from international experiences.
A similar study in India (Azeez et al., 2022) concluded that:
– The dredged material must be deposited 18–20 km offshore.
– In waters at least 20 meters deep.
– To prevent sediments from returning to sensitive ecosystems.
In contrast, the Puerto Barú project proposes to deposit the sediments within the wetlands of the protected area, not in the open sea.
📄Lynker, p. 6–7
9. The mitigation measures proposed in the Environmental Impact Study (EIA) of Puerto Barú to minimize the impacts of sediment dispersion are insufficient.
«Our review of the coastal hydrodynamic model used to simulate sediment dispersion, as described in the EIA, concludes that the modeling applied by the developer’s consultants did not follow best scientific modeling practices…»
📄 Lynker, p.5
We don’t speak without evidence here.
Yes, we believe in development
But in a development with technical, legal and environmental support
Panama can grow without destroying what gives it life
EN