The Panama Canal, which is currently being expanded, provides an significant pathway for the introduction of invasive species from both the Atlantic and Pacific sides, as well as an opportunity for species to blend together, making the country particularly vulnerable to this threat type.Īlthough the rate of deforestation fell nationwide in the 1992-2000 period, compared to the previous 1986-1992 period, certain parts of the country are pressured today by both selective and indiscriminate extraction of hardwood species and/or by the removal of vegetation cover for agricultural purposes. Inadequate waste management on the northwestern Kuna Yala islands, including the Narganá protected area, is affecting the state of coral reefs. The results of poorly regulated tourism development are evidenced in the Bocas del Toro province, comprised mainly of islands off the Caribbean coast, where risks of pollution and degradation on marine and coastal ecosystems, overexploitation of species, such as lobster and crab, and land speculation are on the rise. A similar situation is occurring with respect to the San San Pond Sak River which is a carrier of chemicals used in plantain production which, in turn, is affecting the habitat of manatees. In addition, the buffer zones around the Volcan Baru National Park and La Amistad International Park (a transboundary protected area with Costa Rica) are particularly affected by land and water pollution resulting from the use of agrochemicals, sewage dumping, among other factors. The development of roads, power lines, hydroelectric plants, among other infrastructure, triggered by urban sprawl into buffer zones around protected areas, such as Chagres National Park and other protected areas in the Panama Canal watershed, is transforming natural conditions with effects on biodiversity. According to land use classifications, 25% of the country (1.8 million hectares) has a potential for agricultural and livestock production, while the rest is suitable for forest use with severe limitations on suitability for agriculture (the actual use for agriculture and livestock production has however been estimated at between 2.8 and 2.9 million hectares). The agricultural frontier has expanded throughout almost the entire country, at the expense of forests and mountain ecosystems. Panama has also identified 57 Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), of which 53 are also Important Bird Areas (IBAs), and 20 (35%) of which overlap with protected areas. In the 2010-2013 period, an analysis conducted on the goods and services provided by the 25 protected areas established at this time estimated their economic value to be 226.25 million Balboas per year. Protected areas currently comprise 3.5 million hectares, accounting for 38.66% of the national area (35.85% land, 2.81% marine). Significant land use changes are also occurring in the country as a result of agricultural expansion, urban sprawl and tourism. The country is however particularly vulnerable (it is only 100 km wide) and at risk to experience multiple natural disasters and severe impacts from activities linked to climate change, which can easily disrupt this corridor through the destruction of habitat, among other consequences. Panamanian forests provide an important biological corridor for species migration. Panama is located in the world’s most biodiverse region and on the isthmus linking Central and South America, with unparalleled access to the flora and fauna of three different bodies of water, namely the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Chiriquí and Gulf of Panama. The text below has been prepared by SCBD and remains subject to final approval by the Party concerned. The content of this biodiversity profile is still draft. Status and trends of biodiversity, including benefits from biodiversity and ecosystem services
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