Celebran 25 años promoviendo la sostenibilidad de la cuenca del Canal de Panamá

Panama City – The International Commission for the Hydrographic Basin (CICH) marked a significant milestone this week, celebrating 25 years dedicated to the sustainability of the vital Panama Canal watershed. This anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of the sustained coordination between various institutions, organizations, and civil society that underpins the protection of this essential resource.

During the commemoration, the indispensable nature of the watershed for Panama's daily life and national development was underscored. Ricaurte Vásquez, the Administrator of the Panama Canal, eloquently pointed out that while often overlooked, the watershed is the very lifeline for the nation's water supply. "The hydrographic basin is so important that we consume water every day and do not realize how important it is," Vásquez stated, emphasizing that activities within the basin and the growth of its communities directly reflect improvements in the quality of life for its inhabitants.

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La cuenca hidrográfica es tan importante que nosotros tomamos agua todos los días y no nos damos cuenta cuán importante es. Las actividades que se desarrollan en la cuenca y el crecimiento de sus comunidades reflejan mejoras en la calidad de vida de sus habitantes

This quarter-century of work has maintained the health of the basin through a collaborative effort involving local residents, the Panama Canal Authority, and the member institutions of the CICH. However, the celebration also included a call to action. María Eugenia Ayala, the Executive Secretary of the CICH, highlighted that current challenges are addressed in the territorial environmental indicative plan, which aims for sustainable development. "The conservation of water resources is crucial and must go hand in hand with the country's governing institutions," she affirmed.

Residents of the area also voiced their commitment to protecting this environment. Gerardino, a local resident, stressed the importance of the basin's care, noting its potential to supply water to a growing number of Panamanians who still lack regular access. Currently, approximately 300,000 people benefit from the healthy state of the Panama Canal watershed, both through potable water supply and its contribution to agricultural production. This anniversary is not just a look back, but a renewed commitment to ensuring this critical resource continues to serve Panama for generations to come.

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La conservación del recurso hídrico es crucial y debe ir de la mano con las instituciones rectoras del país