Gulf of San Miguel

Background

In Panama, mangrove forests are an important environmental resource. They provide protection from storm surges, high winds, erosion, marine pollution, and siltation of coral reefs. They also serve as vital habitat for a wide variety of animal species, including commercial species such as shrimp, fish, and crabs.

The Gulf of San Miguel, located on the Pacific side of the Darien region in the southernmost part of the country, contains 16% of the country's mangroves. Twenty rivers flow into the Gulf and the coastal zone includes a diversity of aquatic habitats. Some 15 communities exist in the area, including Emberá and Wounaan indigenous groups, some accessible only by boat. Small-scale fishing for both subsistence and local commercial markets is the major economic activity in the area, and it is estimated that 99% of the population lives in poverty.

Given the environmental importance and socio-economic conditions in the Gulf of San Miguel area, EcoLogic and Fundación Natura, a Panamanian environmental non-governmental organization, decided to work together there. Each organization is contributing to an effort to promote conservation and sustainable use of natural resources while improving the quality of life of the local residents.

Project Description

Community consultations were made in 2008 among the five communities with relatively more advanced community-based organizations (Punta Alegre, Río Congo, La Puntita, Puerto Lara, and Arretí), and the project was designed according to expressed community priorities.

1. Micro-watershed Management - protecting local water resources through the demarcation of micro-watersheds, construction of plant nurseries, growing of seedlings, reforestation of water catchment areas with local tree species, and preparation and implementation of micro-watershed management plans, including related training for community leaders and volunteers;
2. Advocacy for Establishment of a Protected Area - gathering of background information and preparation and follow-up of a formal request to the national government to declare a protected area in the Gulf of San Miguel area;
3. Strengthening of Fishing Organization - preparation and execution of a training plan for leaders and members of the consolidated fishing organization of the five beneficiary communities, in order to enhance its ability to promote sustainable fishing practices and generate improved income for its members based on more effective marketing. It will also be a more effective advocate for the declaration of a protected area;
4. Pilot Solid Waste Management Plans - design and implementation of community-based plans to collect and use or properly dispose of trash; and
5. Wastewater Management - design and implementation of community-based plans to treat raw sewage generated in the project area, including construction of latrines and training in their use.

Progress

In 2008, EcoLogic hired a Panama Program Officer and coordinated learning exchanges between Fundación Natura and EcoLogic's project in Pico Bonito National Park in Honduras. Government authorities in Panama have expressed their interest in following EcoLogic's lead in building the communities' capacity to manage their natural resources and protect the dwindling mangroves.

In 2009, one microwatershed began to be demarcated, one administrative water committee was formed, and two learning exchanges took place between community leaders in the project area and the AJAASSPIB project supported by EcoLogic in Honduras.

Partner

Fundación Natura is a Panamanian non-profit organization, legally established in 1991, dedicated to the conservation of the environment and sustainable development in Panama. It raises money directly and makes grants for environmental projects, as well as administers resources granted by other public or private entities for environmental projects.