Panama wants to lead the world in the Rights of Nature movement, but while it is promoting its international recognition, controversy continues within its own territory over Puerto Barú, a port project that raises questions about dredging, water supply, and the protection of the David Mangroves.

In 2022, Panama approved the Law 287 which recognizes nature’s right to exist, persist, regenerate, and maintain its life cycles. Four years later, President José Raúl Mulino announced before the United Nations General Assembly that Panama would promote a Universal Declaration of the Rights of Nature, a significant step forward for the country as an international pioneer in defending the rights of nature, so how are we protecting these rights in Panama if a port could be built that could put the David Mangroves at risk?

Puerto Barú: Much more than a port

In the Gulf of Chiriquí, the project Puerto Barú includes port infrastructure and dredging works in the vicinity of then David’s Mangroves, a fundamental ecosystem for biodiversity, coastal protection and carbon capture.

The planned intervention requires altering the conditions of a shallow estuary to allow larger vessels to navigate. Independent studies have warned of the potential impacts of dredging and sediment dispersal on marine ecosystems, including habitats used by turtles, dolphins, and many other species.

A project without clear answers about water

Panama faces challenges related to water supply, droughts, and climate change. In parts of Chiriquí, communities have reported recurring supply problems.

Puerto Barú encompasses much more than port facilities: it includes a logistics park, tank terminal, offices, workshops, hotels, restaurants, a convention center, a marina and a residential area, all of which require water to function.

The documentation analyzed by the campaign No to Puerto Barú raises questions about the information presented in the Environmental Impact Study (EIA), especially regarding the origin, volume and availability of the water resource.

How much water will it consume? Where will it come from? How might it affect communities during periods of scarcity?Knowing these answers is not a minor detail; it is fundamental to evaluating the environmental viability of a project of this magnitude.

When defending mangroves also means facing courts

The controversy surrounding Puerto Barú has also reached the courts, and environmental organizations are involved: Centro de Incidencia Ambiental (CIAM) and Adopta Bosque who have questioned the project and its potential impacts face civil and criminal actions brought by the development company.

The charges include slander, defamation, and crimes against the national economy; the proceedings have also included precautionary measures on the accounts and assets of the organizations.

These cases have been recorded by the Business & Human Rights Resource Centrein its database on SLAPP’s demands that can be used to intimidate, wear down, or discourage public participation.

The Rights of Nature are also defended at home

Panama has a significant opportunity to demonstrate that its international environmental leadership can translate into effective protection of its ecosystems. Recognizing rights also means listening to communities, responding to scientific warnings, ensuring sufficient environmental information, and safeguarding citizen participation.

The David’s Mangroves represent one of those challenges today, because a country that promotes the Rights of Nature at the United Nations must also demonstrate how it makes them effective within its own territory. Nature has rights; let’s start by defending Panama, our home.

#DefendTheMangroves #NoToPuertoBarú #RightsOfNature #DefendTheDefenders