The Challenge
Despite its rich ecosystems, Panama faced growing threats to its biodiversity and natural resources, risking the health of the Panama Canal watershed, local livelihoods, and the nation’s climate commitments.
Conservation Threats
Deforestation and forest degradation
Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing
Marine ecosystem loss (reefs, mangroves, seagrass)
Climate change impacts (rising ocean temperatures, extreme weather)
Stakeholders Affected
Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs)
Coastal communities and small-scale fishers
Panama Canal Authority and industries tied to natural resources
The Solution The Solution
National conservation strategy aligned with the Global Biodiversity Framework
Panama’s 30×30 Transformation was designed to meet the GBF’s global biodiversity goals while advancing national priorities such as climate resilience, ecosystem health, and economic stability. By embedding conservation into broader development and climate strategies, Panama created a unified framework that ensures long-term policy alignment and international credibility.
Expansion of marine and terrestrial protected areas
The country significantly expanded both marine and terrestrial protected zones, including the landmark Banco Volcán MPA. These additions protect critical habitats and migratory corridors while improving ecosystem connectivity and supporting climate adaptation across Panama’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
Engagement of Indigenous and local communities in conservation governance
Panama integrated Indigenous and local communities into the planning and governance of protected areas through co-management agreements and inclusive consultation processes. This approach ensures that conservation delivers social and economic benefits while respecting traditional knowledge and land rights.
Sustainable financing innovation (carbon credits, debt-for-nature swap, Project for Finance Permanence)
To ensure the long-term viability of its conservation efforts, Panama developed a suite of innovative finance mechanisms, including carbon and biodiversity credit markets, debt-for-nature swaps, and a Project for Finance Permanence (PFP). These tools aim to unlock consistent funding for ecosystem restoration and community-led conservation.
Key Actions Taken
Expanded Banco Volcán MPA (+9,338,979 hectares) in March 2023
Protected over 50% of Panama’s marine areas
Restoration of 840,000 hectares of degraded forest underway
Pilot riverside waste management programs to clean waterways
Strengthened marine biodiversity research partnerships (with STRI and others)
Ongoing work to enhance Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor (CMAR)
Results & Impact
50%
of Panama’s marine areas protected
840,000
hectares of forest identified for restoration
$700M
per year in ecosystem services secured
Government Leadership
President Laurentino Cortizo, President José Raúl Mulino, and Ministers of Environment
Community Role
Indigenous groups and coastal communities leading conservation actions
José Raúl Mulino
Alignment with Global Goals
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) 30×30 Target
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Life Below Water, Climate Action, and Sustainable Communities
Why It Matters
Panama’s model shows how aligning national conservation goals with Indigenous rights, scientific research, and sustainable finance mechanisms can deliver high-impact, globally relevant results.
Get Involved
Collaborate with Panama on expanding marine corridors and replicating Indigenous-led conservation models or support Panama’s conservation financing innovations, including blue bonds, carbon and biodiversity markets, and community-led conservation programs.