The Azuero region in Panama is attracting an increasing number of oversees property developers, keen to tap into a coastal landscape relatively untouched in comparison to the neighboring Costa Rica. The environmental consequences of coastal development could be severe, adding to a legacy of deforestation that has already left its impact on agriculture in the country. Along with the environmental threat of coastal development, a way of life may also under threat as existing communities face the threat of being forced from their homes.
Progressively dry conditions pose agricultural and sociological challenges to future generations in Panama and throughout Central America. Reforestation programs, run in collaboration with local farmers, are attempting to address these issues. Organizations such as the Azuero Earth Project also run youth initiatives to encourage environmental sustainability from an early age.
Emergency services are called to a fire near Pernal Beach in Pedasi, Azuero. It's thought the fire may have been started deliberately by the land owners in order to encourage potential buyers put off by environmental restrictions. Burning woodland is illegal in Panama but is a frequent occurrence, adding to the huge scale of deforestation and carbon dioxide emissions that have already affected Panama.
A woman prepares chorizo in the back of a restaurant in the rural Azuero region in Panama. Agriculture in the region is presenting increasing challenges as progressively dry summers add to the negative impact of a legacy of deforestation and unsustainable farming.
Smoke from the hills clouds the view of Azuero, once entirely populated by a tropical dry forest. Burning land in this way is illegal in Panama but continues to present environmental challenges, adding to the huge scale of deforestation that has already affected the country.
Emergency services are called to a fire near Pernal Beach in Pedasi, Azuero. It's thought the fire may have been started deliberately by the land owners in order to encourage potential buyers put off by environmental restrictions. Burning woodland is illegal in Panama but is a frequent occurrence, adding to the huge scale of deforestation and carbon dioxide emissions that have already affected Panama.
Juvenal Medina at his farm in Bajo Corral.
Farmers in the Azuero region of Panama, which sits in the Dry Arc that runs through Central America, are faced with an increasingly challenging future as the progessively dry conditions negatively impact agriculture in an area that is already suffering from a legacy of deforestation.
The Azuero region in Panama is situated in the Dry Arc that runs through Central America. With the area producing less rain during the summer, agriculture is increasingly presented with new challenges. The Azuero project have produced a strategy to confront these challenges which include a reforestation program.
Edgar Medina, near his farm in Azuero, Panama. Medina is participating in a reforestation program that will run through his land, paid for using charity generated funding.
The Azuero region in Panama sits in the Dry Arc that runs through Central America. Increasingly dry conditions are adding to the negative impact of a long history of deforestation and unsustainable farming practices.
A woman prepares chorizo in the back of a restaurant in the rural Azuero region in Panama. Agriculture in the region is presenting increasing challenges as progressively dry summers add to the negative impact of a legacy of deforestation and unsustainable farming.
A legacy of deforestation and poor farming practices have resulted in agricultural challenges with livestock often suffering as a result.
Mechanic Eduardo Sanches at his garage in the coastal town of Pedasi. The automotive industry in Panama is a cause for concern for environmentalists as large engine vehicles dominate the roads and the cost of fuel being so low.
Progressively dry conditions pose agricultural and sociological challenges to future generations in Panama and throughout Central America. Reforestation programs, run in collaboration with local farmers, are attempting to address these issues. Organizations such as the Azuero Earth Project also run youth initiatives to encourage environmental sustainability from an early age.
The town of Pedasi in Azuero is a popular tourist destination. An increase in oversees investment by property developers is causing friction among local communities and environmentalists concerned for the security of their homes and native eco systems.
The coastal landscape is critical in providing a defence against the elements from storm fronts to potential tsunami's as well as playing a crucial role in sustaining the eco system. As a result, the coast is protected and special government permission is required to develop on the land. However, coastal developments are a frequent sight as the economical benefits seem to outweigh environmental concerns.
The Azuero region in Panama is attracting an increasing number of oversees property developers, keen to tap into a coastal landscape relatively untouched in comparison to the neighboring Costa Rica. The environmental consequences of coastal development could be severe, adding to a legacy of deforestation that has already left its impact on agriculture in the country. Along with the environmental threat of coastal development, a way of life may also under threat as existing communities face the threat of being forced from their homes.
The Azuero region in Panama is attracting an increasing number of oversees property developers, keen to tap into a coastal landscape relatively untouched in comparison to the neighboring Costa Rica.
Along with the environmental threat of coastal development, a way of life may also under threat as existing communities face the threat of being forced from their homes.
A reforestation program has been developed to run alongside the Pedasi river in Azuero.
Panama City, a five hour bus journey from Azuero, presents, in stark contrast, the difference between the two regions. Mass development however, poses a threat to the rural traditions of regions such as Azuero.
There is a movement to replace the nations oil and coal based energy supply with hydroelectricity which would save considerably on carbon dioxide omissions. However, the environmental consequences of dam building including loss of wildlife habitat along with the displacement of thousands of people have resulted in strong resistance to the plan.
There is a movement to replace the nations oil and coal based energy supply with hydroelectricity which would save considerably on carbon dioxide omissions. However, the environmental consequences of dam building including loss of wildlife habitat along with the displacement of thousands of people have resulted in strong resistance to the plan.
The beaches in Azuero are littered with waste such as plastic bottles as they wash in from the sea, endangering marine life. Polution of the oceans is adding to a developing environmental crisis in Panama, a country that is already beginning to suffer from the impact of deforestation and unsustainable farming practices.
Benigno Dominguez (in blue) discusses reforestation strategies with a local environmental organisation at his farm in Nuario, Azuero. Environmentalists in the region continue to struggle with land owners tempted by financially rewarding but damaging farming techniques.
Officials from various environmental agencies meet to discuss a reforestation strategy. The Panamanian government recently confirmed its support for environmental practices but it remains to be seen how active it will be in enforcing this support.
Hundreds of saplings are prepared for a reforestation program. Success rate is low so they are prepared in large quantity. Environmental agencies focus on planting fruit trees that will begin to produce fruit in the next ten years, offering a more immediate incentive to farmers participating in the program.
Good Friday, Pedasi, 2017.
The price of fuel in Panama is unsustainably low with large engine vehicles such as 4x4's among the most common cars.
The price of fuel in Panama is unsustainably low with large engine vehicles such as 4x4's among the most common cars.
Off shore oil fields off the coast of Panama City still supply much of the country with its energy, resulting in unsustainably low fuel costs.
