The Panama Canal has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability and watershed protection through the launch of the project “Nature-Based Solutions in the Panama Canal Watershed,” an initiative promoted by EUROCLIMA, funded by the European Union, and implemented by Expertise France, in coordination with Panama’s Ministry of Environment and the Panama Canal Authority. The project is aimed at supporting climate adaptation efforts and reducing vulnerability within the watershed.
During the event, organizers presented the main components of the broader initiative focused on adaptation and the reduction of climate vulnerability in the Panama Canal Watershed, with particular attention to water security, climate-related risks, and soil degradation. The launch brought together representatives of international cooperation agencies, Panamanian authorities, community leaders, technical teams, and residents from the communities of Teriá and Cirí de los Sotos, who expressed interest in participating in actions designed to strengthen the environmental sustainability of their territories.
Izabela Matusz, Ambassador of the European Union to Panama, highlighted the importance of building stronger partnerships to accelerate green and sustainable transitions. She described the Panama Canal as a strategic partner for initiatives linked to maritime decarbonization, green shipping corridors, port electrification, and integrated watershed management.
Participants also emphasized the strategic value of the Panama Canal watershed in the context of climate change, noting the need for concrete action to protect water resources and strengthen community resilience. According to the Panama Canal Authority, the watershed plays a vital national role by supplying water to 58% of Panama’s population while also supporting the operation of one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.
Raúl Martínez, Environmental Sustainability Manager at the Panama Canal, said one of the project’s key priorities has been maintaining close engagement with communities in order to understand local needs and develop sustainable solutions through a participatory approach. The project includes local capacity building, community pilot projects, the promotion of nature-based solutions, and initiatives aimed at supporting a more sustainable energy transition through stronger management, regulation, and planning.
The initiative forms part of the actions promoted by EUROCLIMA under the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy and reflects joint efforts among national institutions, international organizations, and local communities to strengthen climate resilience and the long-term sustainability of the Panama Canal watershed.
