A Bill to Protect Access to Beaches and Rivers in Panama

In an effort to protect free access to Panama’s beaches and rivers, a bill regulating the use of public resources has been approved. With the approval, the project now goes to President Mulino.

The suggested changes to the Penal Code include the creation of articles 229-A and 229-B, which seek to sanction the obstruction, closure, or restriction of public roads, as well as access to natural spaces considered to be of collective interest, including beaches, rivers, lagoons, national parks, and protected areas.

Panameñista Party Representative Edwin Vergara, from district 13-3 (Chame and San Carlos), who proposed the initiative, maintains that the problem is neither isolated nor recent, as reported by La Prensa. In his district, he states, at least nine roads that were previously open to the public are now closed, affecting access to recreational areas used by residents.

The initiative establishes prison sentences of three to seven years for those who, without justification, obstruct or restrict public roads or access by means of fences, gates, ditches, or other physical mechanisms.

It also includes aggravating circumstances when, through deception or falsehood, the awarding of state lands is achieved —including national parks, archaeological zones, natural monuments or protected areas—, with penalties that can range from five to ten years in prison.

Meanwhile, the debate remains open, balancing between land rights and access to spaces like beaches and rivers in coastal communities throughout the country.

La Prensa