Panama Celebrates Oceans Month with Over 70 Conservation Initiatives

In a concerted effort to promote sustainable ocean conservation, Panama is celebrating Oceans Month this September with more than 70 activities designed to raise awareness on marine ecosystems.

This initiative sees collaboration among state institutions, non-governmental organizations, municipalities, and the private sector, all working together to engage the population in preserving one of the planet’s most vital ecosystems.

Digna Barsallo, Deputy Director of Coasts and Seas at the Ministry of the Environment, emphasized the campaign’s significance, stating, “The ocean is a source of life, home to a great diversity of marine fauna, and the lifeblood of many local economies. Its protection is urgent and everyone’s responsibility.”

Among the many activities planned are beach cleanups, educational workshops, and campaigns promoting good waste management practices. Notably, 30 coastal cleanup campaigns are underway to combat land-based litter, addressing the alarming statistic that approximately 80% of ocean pollution originates from land activities. Barsallo urged the public to adopt responsible waste disposal habits.

In addition to cleanup efforts, the initiative advocates for responsible fishing practices and the avoidance of extractive activities in marine protected areas to sustain both ecosystems and local economies. Barsallo reiterated, "The oceans are life, and their protection is everyone’s responsibility."

Oceans Month also aims to contribute to climate change mitigation, highlighting the crucial role oceans play as CO2 collectors and climate regulators. The overarching message is clear: protecting the oceans is essential to ensuring the future of communities and the planet as a whole.

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