You've just hit a "pay wall." Panama-Guide subscribers who have logged in to their user accounts can see the full text of this article. However non-members can only see this short introduction. If you would like to subscribe, please click this link to subscribe via PayPal.

You've just hit a "pay wall." Panama-Guide subscribers who have logged in to their user accounts can see the full text of this article. However non-members can only see this short introduction. If you would like to subscribe, please click this link to subscribe via PayPal.

You've just hit a "pay wall." Panama-Guide subscribers who have logged in to their user accounts can see the full text of this article. However non-members can only see this short introduction. If you would like to subscribe, please click this link to subscribe via PayPal.

You've just hit a "pay wall." Panama-Guide subscribers who have logged in to their user accounts can see the full text of this article. However non-members can only see this short introduction. If you would like to subscribe, please click this link to subscribe via PayPal.

You've just hit a "pay wall." Panama-Guide subscribers who have logged in to their user accounts can see the full text of this article. However non-members can only see this short introduction. If you would like to subscribe, please click this link to subscribe via PayPal.

You've just hit a "pay wall." Panama-Guide subscribers who have logged in to their user accounts can see the full text of this article. However non-members can only see this short introduction. If you would like to subscribe, please click this link to subscribe via PayPal.

You've just hit a "pay wall." Panama-Guide subscribers who have logged in to their user accounts can see the full text of this article. However non-members can only see this short introduction. If you would like to subscribe, please click this link to subscribe via PayPal.

You've just hit a "pay wall." Panama-Guide subscribers who have logged in to their user accounts can see the full text of this article. However non-members can only see this short introduction. If you would like to subscribe, please click this link to subscribe via PayPal.

You've just hit a "pay wall." Panama-Guide subscribers who have logged in to their user accounts can see the full text of this article. However non-members can only see this short introduction. If you would like to subscribe, please click this link to subscribe via PayPal.

You've just hit a "pay wall." Panama-Guide subscribers who have logged in to their user accounts can see the full text of this article. However non-members can only see this short introduction. If you would like to subscribe, please click this link to subscribe via PayPal.

You've just hit a "pay wall." Panama-Guide subscribers who have logged in to their user accounts can see the full text of this article. However non-members can only see this short introduction. If you would like to subscribe, please click this link to subscribe via PayPal.

You've just hit a "pay wall." Panama-Guide subscribers who have logged in to their user accounts can see the full text of this article. However non-members can only see this short introduction. If you would like to subscribe, please click this link to subscribe via PayPal.

You've just hit a "pay wall." Panama-Guide subscribers who have logged in to their user accounts can see the full text of this article. However non-members can only see this short introduction. If you would like to subscribe, please click this link to subscribe via PayPal.

You've just hit a "pay wall." Panama-Guide subscribers who have logged in to their user accounts can see the full text of this article. However non-members can only see this short introduction. If you would like to subscribe, please click this link to subscribe via PayPal.

You've just hit a "pay wall." Panama-Guide subscribers who have logged in to their user accounts can see the full text of this article. However non-members can only see this short introduction. If you would like to subscribe, please click this link to subscribe via PayPal.

You've just hit a "pay wall." Panama-Guide subscribers who have logged in to their user accounts can see the full text of this article. However non-members can only see this short introduction. If you would like to subscribe, please click this link to subscribe via PayPal.

You've just hit a "pay wall." Panama-Guide subscribers who have logged in to their user accounts can see the full text of this article. However non-members can only see this short introduction. If you would like to subscribe, please click this link to subscribe via PayPal.

You've just hit a "pay wall." Panama-Guide subscribers who have logged in to their user accounts can see the full text of this article. However non-members can only see this short introduction. If you would like to subscribe, please click this link to subscribe via PayPal.

You've just hit a "pay wall." Panama-Guide subscribers who have logged in to their user accounts can see the full text of this article. However non-members can only see this short introduction. If you would like to subscribe, please click this link to subscribe via PayPal.

Like tree rings, long-lived coral skeletons preserve a record of coral growth. Previously, scientists linked coral-growth patterns in the Caribbean to a phenomenon called the Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation—fluctuations in sea-surface temperatures and incoming sunlight.

In order to better predict the effects of climate change and human disturbance on reefs, Lester Kwiatkowski, University of Exeter, and researchers from the University of Queensland, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization and STRI analyzed coral-growth records from Belize and Panama spanning the period from 1880 to 2000. An Earth-system model simulation told them how well sea-surface temperature, short-wave radiation and aragonite-saturation state, a measure of ocean acidification, predicted changes in coral growth.

Their data came from several coral cores drilled in reefs near the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal formed by the coral species Siderastrea siderea between 1880 and 1989, whereas samples from the Turneffe atoll in Belize showed growth fluctuations in the coral species Montastrea faveolata from 1905 to 1998.

Particles from air pollution, primarily sulfate, reflect incoming sunlight and make clouds brighter reducing the amount of sunlight reaching the sea surface. Coral growth corresponded closely to sea surface temperatures and light levels. Growth fluctuations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries were largely driven by volcanic activity.

Researchers explain a dive in surface temperatures and coral growth in the 1960s by increased air pollution associated with post-World War II industrial expansion in North America and to a lesser extent in Central and South America.

The influence of human aerosol emissions was more pronounced in coral cores from Belize, perhaps because Belize is closer to sources of industrial emissions. Fluctuations unexplained by the model, especially in the growth records from Panama, probably result from runoff from deforestation and from the construction of the Panama Canal waterway.

"The coral growth chronology for Panama allowed us to identify the effects of human interventions at the beginning of 1900s, but the decline in growth observed by the middle of the 20th century corresponding to the beginnings of the industrial era in coastal Panama remained unresolved by the model," said Héctor Guzmán, staff scientist from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute who participated in the study.

"Our study suggests that coral ecosystems are likely to be sensitive to not only future global atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration but also to regional aerosol emissions associated with industrialization and decarbonization," added Kwiatkowski. (fis.com)

You've just hit a "pay wall." Panama-Guide subscribers who have logged in to their user accounts can see the full text of this article. However non-members can only see this short introduction. If you would like to subscribe, please click this link to subscribe via PayPal.

You've just hit a "pay wall." Panama-Guide subscribers who have logged in to their user accounts can see the full text of this article. However non-members can only see this short introduction. If you would like to subscribe, please click this link to subscribe via PayPal.

The Court noted, “it is necessary to promote its conservation, protection and management for sustainable use for present and future generations."

“We commend this first critical step in securing the long-term conservation of this critical habitat; “said John Beavers, VP Audubon’s International Alliances Program. “There is a long road ahead but I am heartened to hear that the Supreme Court’s decision revolved around the need to promote the conservation and sustainable use of the Bay of Panama Wetlands for present and future generations.”

While Panama Bay was recognized as a Globally Important Bird Area and a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar convention, the Bay’s protected status was reversed by Federal officials in Panama in April 2012. Many of the amazing ecosystems of Panama Bay are threatened by rampant poorly planned development. Panama City’s ongoing building boom endangers these critical ecosystems by pollution and eastward urban sprawl.

More than twenty-four migrant bird species from the U.S. and Canada that are of particular conservation concern depend on these habitats to survive. These include more than 30% of the global population of the Western Sandpiper and 22% of the global population of Whimbrel. The Mangroves and wetlands of Panama Bay are also vital to other globally threatened wildlife including Jaguar, Tapir, Spider Monkey, American Crocodile, and Loggerhead Sea Turtle and support the fishing industry for the country. Essential wildlife habitats are being filled at an alarming rate to make way for cheap housing, high-end recreational developments and industrial zones.

The National Audubon Society joined forces with the Panama Audubon Society in their battle to protect the bay. PAS is addressing this with a public awareness campaign in eastern suburbs and further developing scientific justification, for the protection and management of the Bay’s sensitive coastal resources. The project is reversing misconceptions of wetlands being wastelands of little economic value. Wetlands are not only vital for absorbing floodwaters, but essential nurseries for fish and crustaceans that form the base of Panama’s marine economy.

The vital wetlands has been high on the agenda for Audubon, whose Board of Directors visited Panama in February to see for themselves the importance of this habitat for up to two million shorebirds a year. The group was led by Audubon President and CEO David Yarnold, and a fleet of Vice-presidents devoted to protecting wetlands that support the flyways that lace together North and Latin America. Says Francis Grant-Suttie, VP for the Atlantic Flyway, “We now align our work along the flyways of the Americas—Atlantic, Mississippi, Central and Pacific. By connecting the Audubon network all along each of these migratory pathways for birds, we can weave a seamless web of conservation.”

More about Panama Bay threats in Audubon Magazine.

You've just hit a "pay wall." Panama-Guide subscribers who have logged in to their user accounts can see the full text of this article. However non-members can only see this short introduction. If you would like to subscribe, please click this link to subscribe via PayPal.

You've just hit a "pay wall." Panama-Guide subscribers who have logged in to their user accounts can see the full text of this article. However non-members can only see this short introduction. If you would like to subscribe, please click this link to subscribe via PayPal.

Jeremías Aguilar, regional administrator of ANAM in Veraguas, announced that this was one of the largest fires which has occurred in the forest reserve and this has left La Yeguada whit unfortunate results for the environment within the region.

This fire, which lasted three days, was controlled with the help of ANAM officials, park rangers, firefighters, police force, naval air service and the community, which worked hard to fight the fire and put it out.

Aguilar claims that help has always been provided in these situations. He said that people have a lot of training in the region, but as a result of what happened, the area is going to have more surveillance.

The official explained that awareness is very important to people. From now on they will put up signs saying "do not smoke" in order to avoid accidents that trigger wildfires since they leave serious consequences to the environment. (Estrella)

Díaz explained that the number of toxic particles in the environment are within levels which are "near-normal."

He said that officials have been monitoring the smoke since the fire began Tuesday. Due to the decrease in toxic particles, there will be no evacuations of the area around the landfill.

"The 41 health institutions have not recommended evacuations. This has been done in a transparent manner and the recommendations that should be followed are those that have already been given," the minister said.

However, Díaz suggested that schools near the area that have resumed classes should send students home if smoke is still detected.

Waste agency AAUD will provide an update at noon today on the status of the fire. (Prensa)

Geremias Aguilar, Regional Administrator of ANAM in Veraguas, announced that approximately 700 acres of pines were destroyed by the fire which was brought under control thanks to the rangers, firement, and the Naval Air Service, together with community residents who worked as a team.

According to the official of the ANAM, assessments were initiated to define how many total acres of pines were destroyed and also to investigate the causes of the forest fire. (Estrella)

Zuleyka Pinzón, national director of the foundation, said in Veraguas they are working to prevent fishermen, of whatever class, from continuing with these types of harmful activities within a mile off the coast of the Coiba park. (Dia a Dia)

The legal procedure asks the Supreme Court to nullify the Environmental Impact Study (EIA) 1-A415-2010 dated 9 July 2010, which approves the plans and specifications for the construction of a parking garage for visitors at the Palace of Justice.

The federation also called for the cancellation of a resolution issued by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) that granted, free of charge, the land to carry out the project.

The building which will have five floors, was awarded to the company Constructora Corcione & Asociados at a cost of 6.9 million dollars.

Since the announcement of this project, there has been a discussion for more than five months between the authorities of the courthouse, who argue that the construction of a parking garage is necessary because there are not enough parking for people who come to the Court on a daily basis.

Meanwhile, the residents of Ancon say the project entails considerable damage to the environment.

Donaldo Sousa, environmental lawyer and legal representative of the residents of the area, explained that what is sought is the immediate cancellation of the environmental impact study and the free granting of land by the MEF, given for the construction of a five story parking garage.

Ready To Start Work - Through a press release, the company Constructora Corcione & Asociados informed El Siglo that they have had all of the necessary paperwork and permits to start work on the project, since July 2012.

Therefore, they must comply with the terms of the concession contract and the proposed time allowed.

However, according to the note, they have not set a date for the commencement of work, because first they want to ensure the safety of workers.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and the National Environmental Authority have not issued a statement regarding the case. (Siglo)

Editor's Comment: The land where this parking garage will be built is already a parking lot. The lawyer for the residents of Ancon presented this request to the Supreme Court, and the parking lot is being built for - and at the request of - the Supreme Court. This is the epitome of tilting at windmills. It's not an environmental issue.