The Government of Panama has implemented a comprehensive action plan to protect the Darién National Park, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, an ecosystem that houses a unique biodiversity, and where the migratory flow has generated a relevant impact on natural resources and indigenous communities that live in the area.

“The migratory phenomenon in Panama is complex and has significant repercussions, not only in the social and economic sphere, but also in natural resources. Deforestation, pollution and alteration of ecosystems are some of the most serious effects caused by unplanned massive migration,” said Environment Minister Juan Carlos Navarro.

Among the actions implemented are: the creation of controlled migratory routes to minimize the impact on ecologically sensitive areas, reforestation programs in the most affected areas and cleaning campaigns to eliminate waste accumulated along the migratory routes.

“Border controls have been strengthened and international cooperation has been promoted to manage migratory flows more efficiently, working together with organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM),” Navarro added.

To ensure the stability of the inhabitants of the area, three million dollars were requested through a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States, in order to implement economic and rural development opportunities for native communities along the irregular migration route.

The head of Ambiente said that these funds will be managed by an experienced international NGO in conjunction with a local NGO, as an executing partner, under the strict supervision of the Panamanian authorities and close coordination with the corresponding US agencies.

His statements were given during his participation in the update seminar for new foreign service officials, held at the headquarters of the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Panama, where he presented the efforts carried out by the National Government to mitigate, in environmental matters, the damage caused by irregular migration within the Darién National Park (PND).

According to figures from the National Migration Service, to date, a total of 244, 617 people have arrived in the country.

The controlled migratory flow during the month of September is accounted for at 6,432 migrants.