Environment

General Overview

Panama's environment is diverse with a wealth of bio-diversity. Its rich eco-systems are threatened, however, by various development projects which are currently being implemented, without regard for the possible effects on the environment.

Of particular concern are the endangerment of wildlife habitats and the depletion of fisheries, as a result of projects such as the construction of shrimp ponds and recreational facilities. In addition, the deforestation of the tropical rain forest and wetland decimation together contributes to soil erosion.

Current Issues
Key current environmental issues in Panama include the following:

· water pollution from agricultural runoff
· threats to fishery resources
· endangerment of wildlife habitats, and therefore, to wildlife as well
· deforestation
· land degradation
· wetland destruction
· soil erosion

To this end, there is a need for increased public awareness of, and sensitivity to environmental issues, the protection of land, bio-diversity and natural resources. The development of a national policy in this regard is also imminent.

Regulation and Jurisdiction
Regulation and protection of the environment in Panama comes under the jurisdiction of the Instituto de Rucursos Naturales Renovables-INRENARE (Institute for Renewable Natural Resources), the Ministry of Agricultural Development, and the Ministry of Health.

Major Environmental Organizations

The major non-governmental environmental organizations are: Asociación Nacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza (National Association for Nature Conservation), Asociación Centro de Estudios y Accion Social Panameño (Panamanian Center for Research and Social Action), Fundación Dobbo-Yala and Fundación para el Desarrollo de los Jóvenes (Foundation for the Development of Youth).

International Accords

The major international agreements which Portugal is party to include: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, and Wetlands. The Marine Life Conservation agreement has been signed but not ratified.

Panama
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
(Millions of Metric Tons)

Fuel	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998
Coal	0.040	0.039	0.072	0.038	0.040
Natural Gas	0.000	0.000	0.000	0.000	0.000
Petroleum	1.803	1.753	2.031	2.088	2.121
Total	1.843	1.792	2.103	2.126	2.161
% Change	-	-2.8%	17.4%	1.1%	1.6%

Sources:

US Department of Energy