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Puerto Barú debates open environmental issues in Panama: dredging, doubts about water supply and legal proceedings against mangrove defenders.

While Panama promotes the Rights of Nature to the world, in the Gulf of Chiriquí the controversy continues over the Puerto Barú project, which includes port infrastructure and dredging in the area of the David Mangroves.

A SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) is a legal action that presents characteristics of litigation intended to intimidate, wear down, or silence individuals or organizations that participate in matters of public interest. Its effects can include high legal costs, lengthy court proceedings, and a deterrent effect on freedom of expression and citizen participation.

Since 2022, Panama has legally recognised the Rights of Nature, establishing that ecosystems have the right to exist, persist, regenerate and maintain their vital cycles. But what does this mean in the face of projects that could generate impacts on natural ecosystems? The existence of a law does not in itself guarantee the protection of nature. The […]

163 citizens went to the Supreme Court of Justice of Panama to request the annulment of the EIA for Puerto Barú and precautionary measures for the Mangroves of David.

In the middle of Ocean Month in Panamá, an alarm we thought had been turned off started ringing again. The National Assembly insisted on approving Bill 571, which modifies protections for coral reefs, seagrasses and associated ecosystems. The story, however, is not over yet.

During Ocean Month in Panama, we remember that the ocean begins long before reaching the sea. Rivers, wetlands and mangroves form part of the same system. Protecting the mangroves of David also means protecting the ocean, its biodiversity and the communities that depend on it.

Simone Ashley visited the Gulf of Chiriquí. Her time in Panama opens up a conversation about ecotourism, the Mangroves of David and sustainable development.

A new proposal regarding the limits of the protected area has reopened the discussion on the future of the David Mangroves in Chiriquí, Panama. History seems to be repeating itself, but this time we have the opportunity to change the story.

A screening in Panama City brought together science, stories and photography to boost mangrove advocacy and participation in the public consultation.

Two key concepts related to the Puerto Barú project in David have returned to the public debate: Resolution No. 003-2024 and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Limits exist to protect. Based on this premise, environmental organisations, specialists and citizens are calling for participation in the public consultation launched by the Ministry of Environment regarding the proposal to create the Alanje, David and San Lorenzo Mangrove Managed Resources Area, an opportunity to strengthen the protection of one of the country's most important coastal ecosystems.