In recent days, environmental organizations in Latin America have publicly expressed concern over the legal actions taken against Centro de Incidencia Ambiental (CIAM) and Adopta Bosque Panamá, in connection with their environmental defense work related to the Puerto Barú project. CIAM and Adopta Bosque Panamá are facing lawsuits, the freezing (judicial seizure) of bank accounts, and the retention of assets after legally challenging the Puerto Barú project in David, Chiriquí.

The news was reported by the newspaper El Siglo, which stated that Red Regional Escazú Ahora denounced the seizures imposed on these organizations, recalling that environmental defense and citizen participation are protected by international instruments and by the Panamanian Constitution.

Regional support

Red Regional Escazú Ahora and Climate Action Network Latin America (CANLA), the Latin American node of Climate Action Network, expressed their concern regarding the precautionary measures imposed. The Network reminded that Panama has undertaken clear international commitments to: guarantee access to information, protect citizen participation, and defend environmental human rights defenders.

A regional alert was issued urging the Judicial Branch, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and the competent authorities to assess the legality and proportionality of the measures adopted.

This case is not limited to two organizations; it sets a precedent regarding how those who exercise their right to question projects that may generate irreversible environmental impacts are treated.

A precedent that matters

Environmental defense, reporting potential impacts, and citizen participation in matters of public interest are not illegitimate acts. They are essential pillars of a democratic state.

As recalled by Red Regional Escazú Ahora, these guarantees are protected by the Constitution of Panama and by international agreements signed by the country.

Asset freezes and judicial pressure against civil society organizations not only affect their operational functioning; they send a troubling signal about civic space and freedom of participation.

We have the right to defend

Defending the territory is not confrontation; it is a responsibility. It is the exercise of the right to participate, to inform, and to demand transparency in decisions that affect common goods.

In a country that has ratified the Escazú Agreement and undertaken international environmental and climate commitments, the standard must be clear: environmental defense must be protected, not punished.