The Panama Canal Strengthens Environmental Surveillance to Protect the Watershed

On World Environment Day, the Panama Canal reaffirms sustainability as the central axis of its management, promoting actions aimed at protecting the Hydrographic Basin, water security, and resilience to climate change.

This comprehensive approach translates into initiatives aligned with international standards, aimed at decarbonization, climate adaptation, and responsible resource management, as well as specific actions to protect forest cover, promote appropriate land use, and strengthen the sustainability of the Basin, contributing to operational continuity and the well-being of communities.

One of the key components of this management is the Vegetation Cover and Land Use Surveillance and Monitoring System, aimed at monitoring and overseeing the state of forest cover and changes in land use within the Basin. This system relies on technological tools such as satellite images, drones, geographic information platforms, analysis and modeling, as well as continuous field patrols.

Through this work, the Surveillance and Monitoring team generates timely information to detect alerts of changes in vegetation cover, address citizen complaints related to logging and burning, provide technical support to the different areas of the Environment Division, and coordinate actions with competent institutions, including environmental entities, local authorities, and justice of the peace courts.

What has been achieved?

• Sustained forest protection: 9,400 hectares under protection between 2014 and 2026 through the Incentives Program for Forest Protection and Surveillance.
• Community impact: 724 families benefited in 230 communities in the Basin.
• Investment: More than B/. 4 million transferred to incentivize forest conservation.
• Projected expansion: By 2027, it is expected to reach 11,000 protected hectares, benefiting 867 families in 243 communities, with an investment exceeding one million balboas.
• Environmental value: Direct contribution to water regulation, soil protection, carbon capture, and biodiversity conservation.
• Data-driven management: Implementation of the annual GHG emissions inventory (scopes 1, 2, and 3) since 2023 to strengthen planning and decision-making.
• Renewable energy: Awarding of a photovoltaic plant (operational in 2027) with a capacity of 26 GWh annually, equivalent to 15% of the Canal's energy consumption.
• Innovation in maritime fleet: Incorporation of 10 hybrid tugboats and evaluation of low-carbon fuels to reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency.
• Sustainable mobility: Acquisition of electric vehicles as part of the modernization of the terrestrial fleet and progress towards the net-zero emissions goal.

This year, the global commemoration of World Environment Day is focused on climate action, calling on governments, businesses, communities, and citizens to respond with concrete actions to current environmental challenges. In this context, the Panama Canal reaffirms its commitment to protecting water resources, conserving forests, and strengthening territorial management based on technical information, prevention, and coordination.

The Canal works under a preventive, technical, and collaborative approach, integrating technology, field presence, and community participation. These actions allow for better decision-making, reduced environmental risks, and strengthened the Basin's resilience to the effects of climate change.

On this World Environment Day, the Canal recognizes the commitment of technical teams, communities, landowners, and allied institutions that contribute daily to the protection of the Basin's natural heritage.