- Country increases its marine protected area by 30% and meets global 30×30 initiative 9 years ahead of target.
- Cordillera de Coiba Managed Resource Area expands up to 67,742 square kilometers.
The President of the Republic of Panama, Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, signed the executive decree that extends the limits of the Cordillera de Coiba Managed Resources Area (ARMCC), reaffirming the country’s commitment to safeguarding marine protected areas.
The country increased by 30% its marine protected area with some degree of management to comply with the 30×30 global initiative, of which it is a part, nine years before the stipulated date.
Cortizo Cohen said that the signing of this executive decree is an important step to protect biodiversity, the natural heritage of our country and for the conservation of the environment at a global level.
With this declaration, Panama achieves some degree of protection for 98,228.25 km2 of the national marine surface, explained the President of the Republic.
The Cordillera de Coiba Managed Resources Area (ARMCC), located in the Pacific exclusive economic zone, is a protected area since September 2015 that until today had an extension of 17,223. 52 km2, is a chain of submarine mountains, considered exceptional geological formations with high biodiversity, essential for the health of ecosystems, repopulation of local and migratory species, as well as the long-term sustainability of resources, and the conservation of endangered species such as sea turtles, cetaceans and sharks.
With the expansion of the ARMCC by 67,908.98 km2, the total marine area of the Republic of Panama, which currently has approximately 47,542.79 km2 under some degree of management, will increase to 98,228.25 km2.
At the ceremony, President Cortizo Cohen pledged that his government will continue to promote joint work between countries, with firm actions to benefit marine life and the sustainability of marine resources, as well as the protection of the environment.
John Kerry, U.S. special envoy for climate, through a video congratulated the Panamanian people for the declaration of the extension of protection of the Coiba Mountain Range.
“Congratulations to Panama for helping to chart the path to a healthier ocean, a healthier planet and healthier people. I was very pleased to hear about your work to set aside most of the Coiba Mountains as a no-take zone, free of destructive and extractive activities, giving species and ecosystems the opportunity to rejuvenate and recover,” Kerry said.
This extension will strengthen the connectivity of the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor (CMAR) and the binational management of adjacent protected areas in Panama and Colombia, consolidating the concept of “migratory pathways” and efforts to protect the marine ecosystem of this Corridor, when combined with the protected areas of the Yurupari-Malpelo Integrated Management District and the Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary in Colombia.
The Ministry of Environment, in consensus with the Aquatic Resources Authority of Panama (ARAP), the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), in charge of the scientific studies, carried out two planning processes to consolidate the area.
Pacífico Foundation congratulates the Government of Panama and its allies for this advance in marine conservation with an impact on the Eastern Tropical Pacific.
The declaration ceremony was attended by José Gabriel Carrizo Jaén, Vice President of the Republic and Minister of the Presidency; Erika Mouynes, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Milciades Concepción, Minister of the Environment; Stewart Tuttle, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the United States; representatives of international organizations, foundations and environmental NGOs.
Also present were Flor Torrijos, administrator of ARAP; Iván Eskildsen, general administrator of the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP); and Noriel Araúz, administrator of the AMP.