Panama has officially enforced a nationwide ban on single-use plastics across all protected areas as of January 1, 2026. The measure, enacted through a resolution issued by Ministry of Environment of Panama (MiAmbiente), applies to every zone within the country’s National System of Protected Areas and marks a significant step in reducing environmental contamination in some of Panama’s most ecologically sensitive regions.
What the New Regulation Covers
Approved in October 2025, the regulation prohibits the entry, use, sale, and distribution of single-use plastic and polystyrene products within protected areas. This includes disposable plastic bottles, cups, plates, and expanded polystyrene food containers, as well as non-biodegradable bags, plastic straws, and similar items that are neither reusable nor compostable.
The scope of the rule is broad. It applies to visitors, tour operators, concessionaires, researchers, contractors, volunteers, and government personnel operating inside protected areas. In practice, anyone entering these zones must comply, regardless of whether their activity is recreational, commercial, or institutional.
Only reusable containers or items made from low-impact materials such as glass, stainless steel, certified cardboard, or bamboo are permitted. The regulation also reinforces a “Basura Cero” approach, requiring all activities to follow a carry-in, carry-out policy, meaning anything brought into a protected area must leave with the visitor.
Why This Matters
According to MiAmbiente, Panama generates more than 380,000 tons of plastic waste each year. An estimated 88 percent ends up polluting rivers, coastlines, streets, and protected ecosystems. These materials pose a direct threat to biodiversity, soil quality, and marine life, particularly in conservation zones that are difficult to clean or monitor consistently.
The regulation is designed to address these risks at the source by limiting what enters protected areas in the first place. Non-compliance will be treated as an environmental administrative offense under the existing environmental legal framework, including sanctions established in Panama’s environmental law.
In parallel, Panama has recently formed a national committee under the Platform for Action on Plastics. This body is tasked with shaping long-term public policy to reduce plastic pollution and move toward a more circular and sustainable economy nationwide.
Implications for Communities Near Protected Areas
Many of Panama’s most desirable lifestyle and investment destinations sit adjacent to national parks, wildlife refuges, and coastal reserves. Areas such as Boquete and El Valle & Nearby Mountains are closely tied to surrounding protected landscapes that attract residents, expats, and visitors seeking nature-driven living.
For residents and property owners in or near these regions, the regulation does not restrict ownership or development directly. Instead, it reinforces the environmental standards that already define these locations. Homes, eco-lodges, and tourism-related businesses operating near protected areas may see increased emphasis on sustainable practices, including waste management and reusable materials, particularly for guest-facing operations.
Over time, clearer environmental enforcement can support long-term property values by preserving the natural assets that make these areas desirable in the first place. For buyers prioritizing clean environments, biodiversity, and regulated land use, this policy aligns with broader global trends toward conservation-focused development.
What This Means for Investors and Residents
For investors, expats, and residents, the ban signals continued institutional commitment to environmental protection rather than sudden regulatory uncertainty. It creates clearer rules for tourism operators and visitors while helping maintain the ecological integrity of high-demand regions.
Those planning to live near or regularly visit protected areas should expect stricter entry controls and greater emphasis on personal responsibility, but not reduced access or enjoyment of these spaces. The focus is on behavior within protected zones, not on limiting participation.
How Casa Solution Can Help
At Casa Solution, we work closely with buyers, sellers, and investors navigating Panama’s diverse regions, including areas adjacent to protected lands. If you are considering a property purchase or investment in environmentally sensitive zones, our team can help you understand local regulations, land-use considerations, and long-term sustainability factors that matter for both lifestyle and value.
