Panama has inaugurated the first interagency center in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor (CMAR) dedicated to monitoring, preserving, and protecting marine and coastal ecosystems.
The new Coordination Center for Marine and Coastal Monitoring integrates advanced technology and data analysis to respond more effectively to threats such as illegal fishing, marine pollution, and biodiversity loss.
This achievement was made possible through a donation from the Bezos Earth Fund, within the framework of the CMAR Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance Strengthening Project. The initiative is implemented by Fundación Pacífico with support from WildAid, OceanMind, and the Joint Analytical Cell (JAC).
Regional cooperation
According to Juan Carlos Navarro, Panama’s Minister of Environment, the center will provide real-time information to anticipate risks and strengthen law enforcement at sea.
Jair Urriola Quiroz, Executive Secretary of CMAR, emphasized that the center represents a concrete step toward regional interoperability, allowing Panama, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Ecuador to jointly safeguard migratory routes and ecological corridors.
Patricia León of the Bezos Earth Fund highlighted the broader goal: “A healthy ocean is essential for both people and biodiversity. This center combines technology, data, and cooperation to help the region move from detection to action.”
Part of global conservation goals
The center was created by Executive Decree No. 15 of 2022 and supports Panama’s commitments under international conservation agreements, including the global “30×30” initiative that seeks to protect 30 percent of the world’s land and ocean by 2030.
The project has also delivered specialized equipment to regional institutions, marking Panama’s center as a key milestone in building shared capabilities across the CMAR countries.
Protecting Panama’s greatest asset
The Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor is one of the most biologically rich areas in the world, hosting critical migration routes for sea turtles, whales, and many fish species. By strengthening monitoring and surveillance, Panama and its neighbors aim to ensure these ecosystems remain protected for future generations.
Bezos Earth Fund
The Bezos Earth Fund, created by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, is one of the world’s largest philanthropic initiatives focused on climate and nature. With a commitment of $10 billion to be distributed by 2030, the fund supports projects that address biodiversity loss, decarbonization, and ocean protection.
Written on September 12, 2025
