Let’s set limits where nature needs them

Limits exist to protect; under this premise, environmental organizations, specialists, and citizens are calling for participation in the public consultation opened by the Ministry of Environment on the proposal to create the Alanje, David, and San Lorenzo Mangroves Managed Resources Area, an opportunity to strengthen the protection of one of the most important coastal ecosystems in the country.

The citizen initiative seeks to convey a simple but fundamental idea, which is that a mangrove does not function in isolation. Water, tidal channels, sediments, species, and forests are all part of the same ecological system, so what happens at one point in the ecosystem affects the entire landscape.

«When we talk about setting limits, we’re not just talking about drawing a line on a map, we’re talking about protecting a living system where water, mangroves and biodiversity are completely connected,» say the organizations promoting this initiative.

For this very reason, protected mangrove areas include not only the visible forest, but also estuaries, channels, bodies of water, and zones that help maintain the hydrological flow of the ecosystem. Limiting protection solely to the forest would mean ignoring the natural functioning of the mangrove.

Today you have the opportunity to help strengthen the protection of one of Panama’s most important ecosystems.

Why is it important to participate?

The proposal represents progress in protecting mangroves, but it can still be strengthened. Among the main observations that specialists and environmental organizations request be considered are:

• Explain the technical and scientific reasons for the proposed delimitationexcludes the marine area located approximately at coordinates 8°19’47.26″N, 82°20’29.11″Wand clarify how that exclusion is compatible with the conservation objectives of the Managed Resources Area.
• Limit the exceptions that could allow activities that affect the mangrove and the natural flow of water.
• Clarify how this resolution will affect previously authorized projects.
• Ensure a Management Plan with clear technical criteria, community participation, and effective measures to conserve this ecosystem.

Because a mangrove forest doesn’t end where the trees end; the water, tidal channels, sediments, and biodiversity form a single ecosystem. What happens in one place affects the entire system.

How can you participate?

Participating only takes a few minutes.

Option 1 (recommended):
Click this link to send the email automatically:https://linkly.link/2ooAl

Option 2:
Send an email to:

📧 dapb-consultaspublicas@miambiente.gob.pa

Asunto: Observaciones a la Consulta Pública – Área de Recursos Manejados Manglares de Alanje, David y San Lorenzo.

Remember to include your name, address and a means of receiving correspondence and use the text suggested in the Action Kit.

⏳ The public consultation will be open until August 14, 2026.

Every observation counts and can contribute to strengthening the protection of one of Panama’s most important ecosystems.

Limits exist to protect that which makes life possible.

Today we have the opportunity to set limits where nature needs them.

#DefendTheMangroves