The Fossil-Free Wider Caribbean Network expresses its deep concern and rejects the attempts to silence the Panamanian organizations Centro de Incidencia Ambiental (CIAM), a member of our network, and Adopta Bosque, through lawsuits and precautionary measures that include the temporary seizure of accounts and assets.

These actions arise in the context of citizen opposition to the Puerto Barú project in David, Chiriquí, which involves activities associated with the transport of fossil fuels and has been promoted as part of a logistics route to the Caribbean. The project is located in an area of extremely high ecological value that is home to 25% of Panama’s mangroves, marine-coastal ecosystems that are fundamental for biodiversity, artisanal fishing, and protection against extreme weather events. This area has been recognized as a protected area by the Panamanian government since 2007 and is a key space for the conservation of
multiple species.

The defense of the David mangroves and their role as a natural barrier, wildlife refuge, and community livelihood has motivated the actions of the organizations now affected. The legal and financial reprisals are taking place precisely in the context of this legitimate exercise of environmental protection.

The use of economic precautionary measures against environmental organizations has an intimidating effect that threatens their operations, affects their work teams, and jeopardizes conservation, education, and research projects that are fundamental to the country’s communities and ecosystems.

As a regional network promoting a just energy transition and the phasing out of fossil fuels in the Greater Caribbean, we recall that citizen participation, access to justice, and environmental protection are democratic pillars and rights protected by the Panamanian Constitution and the Escazú Agreement, ratified by Panama.

We urge the Panamanian State to ensure that the judicial system is not used to harass organizations that legitimately exercise their right to environmental defense. The measures adopted must be evaluated under strict criteria of legality, proportionality, and respect for human rights.

We stand in solidarity with CIAM and Adopta Bosque. It is a collective responsibility to support and protect those who defend the environment. In times of climate crisis, when coastal ecosystems and communities face increasing pressures, the work of environmental organizations is more urgent than ever.