Public Participation

• Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI):  Through the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), the U.S. Government is working with the Panamanian government and people to become the leading international research center on tropical ecosystems.  The scientific knowledge gained through STRI benefits Panama and the world at large, and gives Panamanian students and the public an opportunity to view and learn from the astounding biodiversity of the Isthmus. You can learn more about STRI at: http://www.stri.si.edu/. 
• CATHALAC:  Panama houses the international headquarters for CATHALAC, an international organization based in “Ciudad del Saber” (The City of Knowledge) dedicated to promoting sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean through applied research and development, education, and technology transfer on water resources and the environment.  CATHALAC is particularly active in integrated watershed management, climate changes, environmental modelling and analysis, and risk management. Through CATHALAC, the United States, including NASA, and the countries of Central America and the Dominican Republic, are working to provide an early warning system for environmental disasters, support decision-making in the areas of climate change adaptation, and create a regional clearinghouse of information and training.  You can learn more about CATHALAC at: http://www.cathalac.org/.
• Peace Corps: Peace Corp Volunteers provide hands-on environmental assistance, with 27 volunteers working in the areas of Community Environmental Conservation, 27 in Sustainable Agriculture, and 43 in Environmental Health.  Volunteers support the Environmental National Authority and the Ministry of Education’s initiatives, as well as partner with the Ministry of Agriculture to provide technical assistance to small farmers in high production, low-impact organic farming techniques. Through funds from the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas, Volunteers educate communities about climate change and promote eco-friendly and sustainable practices. For more information about the Peace Corps, please see: http://www.peacecorps.gov/.
• Local Organizations:  There are many Panamanian groups which work to raise awareness about environmental issues.  Information about the Government of Panama’s efforts can be found at the National Authority on the Environment (ANAM) at http://www.anam.gob.pa/ and the National Authority for Aquatic Resources (ARAP) at http://www.arap.gob.pa/.  We encourage civil society and local communities to responsibly participate in the decision making process for national environmental policies and local decisions.  Some leading non-government organizations in Panama that we have worked with on environmental issues include: ANCON (http://www.ancon.org/), CIAM (http://www.ciampanama.org/), Fundación Natura (http://www.naturapanama.org/), and MarViva (http://www.marviva.net/).