Panama sends protected area managers for international training in U.S.

Fourteen protected area managers from Panama's Ministry of Environment have been selected to participate in the 32nd International Seminar on Protected Area Management. The intensive program will take place from July 6 to July 30, 2026, at Colorado State University in the United States.

According to MiAmbiente, the training aims to foster an exchange of experiences with specialists from the U.S. and Latin America. Participants will enhance their technical capabilities and acquire essential tools to address pressing conservation challenges. The seminar is recognized globally as a key program for directors of protected areas and national parks.

The program, conducted in Spanish, includes five virtual sessions and 25 days of in-person training in Colorado. It is designed to impart knowledge in technology, administrative management, and conservation strategies. A significant focus will be placed on working collaboratively with local communities, indigenous peoples, and various social stakeholders.

Key topics on the agenda include strategic planning, systemic thinking, the development of conservation alliances, and leadership specifically applied to the management of protected areas. Minister of Environment Juan Carlos Navarro highlighted that the selected officials are already responsible for significant national areas, leading teams, and engaging with local communities and authorities. This initiative is part of a broader process initiated in October 2024, which has also included public safety training for 27 park chiefs and directors within Panama's National System of Protected Areas (SINAP).