Panama: a look at the present and beyond

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Another significant feat of infrastructure which in part was built in conjunction with the Cinta Costera and is approaching its final phase of construction is the clean up of the Bay of Panama. The project is estimated to cost over 410 Million Dollars and will consist of 7.5 km of tunnels beneath Avenida Balboa and the Cinta Costera. A major facet of the Bay clean up are sub surface drainage basins to capture and control run off waters from the 5 rivers and a water treatment plant to purify the polluted waters of the Juan Diaz river before being released into the bay of Panama. It is said that once this 10 year project has been completed,it will be possible to use the Bay of Panama for touristic purposes.

There is also a green side to Panama's progression. This includes 16 natural parks which encompass 25% of the isthmus nation which is equivalent to approximately 5 Million Acres. Two of these parks are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. These Natural Parks are home to 220 different types of mammals, 354 reptiles and amphibians, including 125 animal species that are unique to Panama. There are nearly 1000 recorded bird species, at least 1200 varieties of orchids, 1500 types of trees and at least 687 ferns.

A few of Panama's most significant national parks include:

1. The Darien National park (576,000 HA) which is the largest of Panama's Reserves and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve.
2. La Amistad International Park (407,000 HA) which forms the border between Panama and Costa Rica and is also a World Heritage site as well as home to 3 indigenous Indian groups.
3. Coiba Island National Park (270,125 HA), which is a marine park with about 240 kilometers of coast line. It is an important route for whale immigration and home to the world famous fishing spot by the name of Hanibal Bank.
4. Bastimentos Island National Park (13,226 HA) is best known as a nesting area for sea turtles which can be seen from April to October.
5. Volcan Baru National Park (14,300 HA) which includes the extinct volcano, which forms the highest peak of Panama at nearly 3500 meters above sea level. On clear days its possible to see both the Pacific and Caribbean Oceans.
6. The Chagres National park (135,000 HA) which also forms the watershed of the Panama Canal, and include the Chagres river which provides about 80% of the water needed to operate the Panama Canal, as well as supplies the drinking water for Panama City.
7. The Soberania National (22,104 HA) park is best known as a world famous birding location and includes the Las Cruces trail which was the cobblestone trail constructed by the Spanish Explorers to carry their gold fortunes via mule across the isthmus.
8. The Camino de Cruces National (4,950 HA) park was formed to create an ecological corridor between the Soberania and Metropolitan park.
9. The Metropolitan National Park (265 HA) is located within the city limits of Panama City, and is often referred to as the Lungs of Panama City.

By focusing on a combination of several important points, infrastructure,tax, and labor incentives for multinational corporations, job creation and preservation of its natural resources, Panama has not only been able to maintain positive economic growth, even during the worst of the global economic recession but it has continued to position itself for continued
growth, development and success in the future.

Other Articles:

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• Tourism up 6.3% in the first five months of 2010
• Panama's economy grew 4.9% in the first quarter of 2010
• Panama ranked as the third happiest country in America
• Insurance for tourists
• Moody's upgrades Panama to investment grade
• A Report On The Current Condition Of The Panama Economy
• The Panama Canal Expansion
• Census 2010
• Panama's economy grew 2.4% despite global economic turmoil