Panama Bay Clean Up Focus On Now And The Future

Guest post By Tyler Ramos

With a large growth in population Panama has fallen behind in the proper disposal of sewage from their residents. Because of this, the sewage was routed into rivers that carried it to the Panama Bay. With the raw sewage going to the bay the smell and contamination of the bay has set forth, over the past decade, a massive clean up of the bay and creating a better system of waste processing.

Panama is the southernmost county located in Central America. It is famous for having the Panama Canal, which is a key shipping canal used to travel from the Atlantic to Pacific Ocean. The country has seen its way through various military regimes, United States involvement in government, and have now settled into a government that is presently ran by President Ricardo Martinelli. The population has grown at a fast rate from 1.1 million people in 1960 to almost 3.4 million people in 2008.

With no sewage treatment plant for the country and the large growth in population it was difficult for the country to maintain waste disposal. Cities dumped their sewage into rivers that dumped into the bay, contaminating both the rivers and the bay. Because of this contamination the waterways were filled with bacteria and had a horrible smell.

CAF, Latin America's development bank, helps fund the Panama City and Bay of Panama Cleanup Project to begin correcting this health and environment problem. This project has been funded for more than $1 billion in the past five years, with $540 million of that coming this year. The scope of the project is to clean the areas, develop, and place a plant for waste water treatment.

The country's Ministry of Health is overseeing the construction of the sanitary sewers, drain network and water treatment plant. The drain network will service the cities with approximately 135 kilometers of pipe. For the sewer system there will be a 3 meter in diameter and 8.2 kilometer long interceptor tunnel.




With such a large project Herrenknecht in Schwanau, Germany was contacted to build a large tunnel boring machine. The machine is 3.6 meters in diameter and 124 meters long, and was shipped to the country in August. The machine is nicknamed after President Martinelli's mother, Gloria, and is painted in the Panamanian flag colors.

Because of the contamination, the rivers and bay have a bad smell and bacteria in them. No fishing or water recreation takes place because of this contamination. There are fish in the waterways but they are contaminated themselves. Prior to being contaminated, the rivers and bay would be a place for people to go swimming but that no longer takes place.

Once the project is completed the natural clean up of the environment fixing itself may take another 10 or 15 years. The biggest concern for those living in Panama now is to get a solid infrastructure built to stop the environmental and health impact going on at this time. Many people hope that, once the project is completed, and in place that, they will be able to enjoy their waterways by swimming or fishing in them.

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Channels Expanding On The Panama Canal

By Tyler Ramos

The Panama Canal is a ship canal which was built in order to join the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Naturally its construction had a significant and positive impact on maritime trade, which was the primary reason behind its construction. Now there is a new project being proposed by the Panama Canal Authority which would expand traffic capacity of the Panama Canal.

The project goes by the name of the Third Set of Locks Project. This name is related to one of its goals, which is to construct lock complexes at both the Atlantic and Pacific ends of the canal. These lock systems are aimed at resolving the water preservation issues which have come up in the past with the canal's continued use. The Panama Canal Authority also aims to not only construct additional access channels to the canal but widen those that already exist. These channels will all also had their depth increased when the project has finished.

The work of expanding the canal is classified as a mega project. This means its construction and completion could deeply impact both nearby communities as well as the environment. Not only that, but it is also expected to cost more than one billion US dollars. A great deal of public attention has been drawn to the project as a result of its scope.

The project has begun as of September 2007 and could be finished within the year 2015. There are and have been many voices in favor of its commencement. This a result of the many potential benefits that the canal expansion could offer. For one it is expected to pay for itself given time as well as provide a significant amount of return on investment for not only its investors but Panama as well.




Along with its profitability, the canal expansion project is expected to reduce poverty within Panama. This will be a result of the need for labor of all kinds being necessary in order to complete the project. Some have claimed that the reduction will be as high as 30%. Of course it is also believed that improving the channels and traffic capacity of the canal will bring in higher revenues from tolls.

The improved cargo capacity of the canal could also mean an increase in profits for those involved in maritime trade. This profit margin could very well affect the country again as well as more and larger cargo ships move through its waters. As mentioned before, however, this image of a parade of cargo ships has also spurred environmental concerns.

The Panama Canal Authority has performed studies regarding the environmental impact of its project and claims that no significant damage will be done environmentally. The area in which the work will be done is already owned by the organization and no major community upheaval is necessary for its work to be done. It also states that the lock systems being installed are intended to mitigate the environmental impacts of the increase in usage of the canal.

Again, it is projected that the canal expansion will be finished in 2015. It is the hope of many that this expansion's completion will mark a time of renewed prosperity in the country of Panama. It will certainly be seen in time whether or not this happens, and many will be watching closely in the meantime.

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Panama For Vacation Anytime

Guest post By Antonio Khatemi

Panama, the nation that links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, benefits from record tourism. Panama offers its visitors uncultivated beaches, national parks, mountains, shopping, various terrains plus art at matchless prices.

Ask anybody what they've learned about Panama and almost all will mention the famous Panama Canal. Other people may recall Noriega, the former dictator who later regained notoriety for his exile to France.

A noteworthy part of Panama's history occurred while it was "under the Yankee boot". The Yankee boot refers to the 85 years (1914-1999) that the United States controlled the Panama Canal. U.S. occupation left many legacies like the dollarized market, units of measurement (gallons, pounds, etc), use of certain words (a vehicle is parked or something is priti - English pretty) and American vehicles.

The contemporary city of Panama is known as the City of Skyscrapers due to the numerous towers that climb the sky and vie in height and structure. What is striking is that the construction boom exploded only in recent years as a combination of a package of tax benefits bringing internationals and the fact that prior to 1999 the city wasn't allowed to be developed in particular areas. At present, even Donald Trump has put money into multi-million dollar real estate developments in Panama, including a building with a 62-story hotel and marina, much like the Burj Al-Arab, Dubai.

Balboa Avenue, which runs along to the Pacific Ocean, the new Costa del Este (with land reclaimed from the ocean or the Avenue Spain, the capital's financial hub, are the picture of Panama in its new modern and sophisticated era. Panama is also proud to be a matchless shopping mecca.

The remnants of Panama's pre-Columbian and colonial history are sheltered in the old part of town and reveal its historic side. The Spanish landed in Panama in the 1500s. They founded many cities, one of which was Portobelo. Portobelo housed treasures of the Spanish crown until it was sacked by pirates in 1671. In the present day all that is left are the remains of the city's cathedral, homes the clergy lived in and a few massive historical ruins, known as Panama La Vieja. It is located in the midst of thick tropical vegetation outside of Panama City.

Fortunately, the old city's great altar, which was covered in gold, was rescued from the violence of pirates and brought to what is currently Casco Viejo - 'the Old City', where the modern city was rebuilt. There, the narrow cobblestone streets, colonial building fronts and wrought iron balconies reside with clothes hanging from windows, neighbors listening to loud reggaeton, improvised hair salons in the center of a Kuna Indian village beside Kuna Indians selling their colorful textiles (the molas, considered one of the most sophisticated handicrafts in Latin America).

The government recently began rebuilding the neighborhood, starting with buildings in the vicinity of the park and the Palace of the Herons, a presidential home. The former convent, once falling apart, has now been transformed into lofts and the old military facilities have been turned into stores and eateries. Old homes are now home to Panamas boutique hotels.

Some suggest that Panama may become the new Costa Rica, with mega-hotels and resorts dominating areas on the Pacific. However, the difference is that in Panama there are actually still indigenous regions such as Kuna Yala, Embera and Ngobe-Bugle. These are semi-autonomous places where large-scale building projects are strictly forbidden.

These territories are significant since before the Spanish, the Canal, the Americans, Noriega or the skyscrapers ever came to Panama, the natives claimed this place full of fish, trees and butterflies as their home.

But there is so much more to Panama. Over and above the bits of prominent history or the enormous tourist potential of the interoceanic channel, the nation was formerly a Spanish colony, a Colombian state, and an American protectorate with a vastly rich heritage.

Panama is now committed to strengthening its own character. And in part, this means being certain that this individuality is evident in every one of its points of interest, from shores on both sides to the plains, wetlands, mountain forests, historical monuments and shopping centers. And according to the Ministry of Tourism, it appears that this approach isn't affecting the country's tourism business at all. More than 1,000,000 travelers experience Panama every year.

Panama can't help but recognize the amazing tourist prospects it possesses as an interoceanic passage. But there is so much more. The nation also possesses a rich history. It was previously a Spanish colony, a Colombian state, and an American protectorate. Despite its amazing success as a tourist destination, Panama is now dedicated to rebuilding its own personality. In part, this means being certain that this personality, and the history that helped build it, is evident in every one of its attractions, from shores on both coasts to the plains, marshland, mountain forests, historical monuments and shopping malls. According to the Panama Ministry of Tourism, the approach is not harming the country's tourism industry in the least. More than a million travelers experience Panama each year.

While acknowledging the enormous tourist prospects of the interoceanic passage, the country that was once a Spanish colony, a Colombian province, and an American protectorate is now dedicated to strengthening its own identity. And in part, this means ensuring that this character is portrayed in all its points of interest, from the shores on both coasts to the plains, wetlands, mountains, forests, historical monuments and shopping areas. According to Panama's Ministry of Tourism, this approach isn't hurting the country's tourism industry at all. More than a million tourists experience Panama every year.

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National Parks In Panama Have Many Different Species Of Birds

Guest post By Tyler Ramos

Rainforests constitute much of the landscape of Panama, which is reported to attract many of the tourists that visit throughout the year. It has a vast selection of flora and fauna. As a result there are at least sixteen national parks in Panama.

The Amistad National Park is located in both Panama and Costa Rica, making it the first park to exist within two countries. It has many services available to tourists, for example, hotels and transportation. It also permits travelers to go fishing in the Teribe River.

The Bastimentos Marine Park consists of several islands and has wildlife and sandy beaches. The protective reach of the Bastimentos is not reserved for just the animals and beaches but also for the coral reef off its shores.

Home to the Baru Volcano, the Baru covers a wide portion of rainforest. The top of the volcano, with its scenic views, is accessible by car, and tourists are likely to see wildlife during the trip up.

The Barro Colorado is a little park when compared to some of the others but it is not small in terms of activities. The Giant Tree is a point of interest that is part of a tour offered to travelers.

Reptiles, Birds, Monkeys, and pigs can all be potential spotted in Campana. The locals give special reverence to a reptilian species called the Golden Frog and consider it a great fortune if a tourist can spot one, especially because it is endangered.

The Canas Wildlife Refuge has many differing turtle species. These turtles are known to entertain tourists when they come out at night. The refuge is also known for its hiking and water sports.

Chagres is home to rivers that supply the Panama Canal with most of its waters. People are often spotted rafting on the rivers, and there are lakes for fishing, water skiing, jet skiing and sailing. Camping and bird watching are also encouraged in Chagres.

Coiba is further from bigger towns than other parks, and as a result has fewer accommodations. Despite this it still witnesses a fair share of yearly travelers who seek out its beaches, where reportedly turtles make their nests. In addition, in its ocean waters swim Marlins.

Darien has provided tourists with a unique experience. It has jungles known for excellent hiking and is also where several indigenous tribes live. Many visitors to the Darien jungles have witnessed indigenous people and their activities and some of these visitors report having experience indigenous dancing.

Iguana is known for the vast size of its iguana population. However, that is not all. There are other animals that live in Iguana, such as turtles. It is also famous as one of the places migrating whales stop at.

There are many more national parks. Diversity is one way to describe the immensity of rainforest and animal life that is found there. One park not yet mentioned is called the Metropolitan and is located just minutes outside Panama City.

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Auto Shipping Helps Canal Recovery Says Panama Canal CEO

By Andrea Jaramillo and Eric Sabo

July 23 (Bloomberg) -- The Panama Canal Authority has begun to see “signs of recovery” in shipping traffic, including from freighters transporting cars, said Alberto Aleman, the authority’s chief executive officer.

Aleman said he expects traffic in the fiscal year ending in September to total about 295 million tons, up from a previous range he had given of about 290 million to 295 million tons. Traffic in the 95-year-old canal totaled 310 million tons in 2008. Revenue this year will be “similar” to last year’s record $2 billion, Aleman said.

“Amid the crisis, amid the recession, this is good,” Aleman, who’s run the canal since 1996, said in a telephone interview from Panama City. Car shipments have “declined as was to be expected given the problems that we’ve seen in the automobile industry worldwide but we’ve seen signs of recovery in this segment.”

U.S. auto sales have run at an annual rate of fewer than 10 million vehicles for each month this year, after averaging 16.8 million from 2000 through 2007. Domestic sales through June slid 33 percent for Ford Motor Co. in Dearborn, Michigan and 40 percent at Detroit-based General Motors Co., which emerged from a U.S.-backed bankruptcy reorganization this year.

The Panama Canal, which connects the Pacific Ocean with the Caribbean Sea, is undergoing a $5.25 billion expansion project through 2014 to handle larger vessels. The authority has secured $2.3 billion in funding from loans from overseas banks and plans to fund the rest with cash it generates from shipping fees, said Aleman.

‘Very Flat’

Shipping traffic through the canal between October and June dropped 3 percent compared with the year-earlier period, according to Aleman. Total transits from April to June fell 6.4 percent compared with a year ago, the authority said in a statement today.

Aleman predicted traffic will “stabilize” in 2010 near this year’s levels.

“I see a very flat year, a year very similar to this year,” Aleman said. “Maybe a little bit higher, but we’re being conservative in our analysis.”

The authority in June temporarily cut reservation fees for larger vessels and eased penalties for ships that arrive late in a bid to lure more shipping companies amid the recession. Aleman said he’ll review the measures at the end of September, the original deadline, before deciding whether to extend them.

Reduced Traffic

A May increase in what the canal charges for tolls helped compensate for lower income this year from reduced traffic and the temporary drop in fees, according to Aleman. He predicts income from tolls, which accounts for about 70 percent of the authority’s total revenue, will rise 9 percent this fiscal year to about $1.44 billion.

The Panama Canal Authority will transfer some $740 million in revenue this year to the Panamanian government, up from $700 million last year, said Aleman.

The U.S. is the largest customer for the waterway, representing about 70 percent of traffic, almost a decade after it handed over the canal authority to Panama. China is the canal’s No. 2 user, the authority has said. The canal, which shortens the route for Asian goods destined for the U.S. East Coast, handles about 5 percent of the world’s seaborne freight.

To contact the reporters on this story: Andrea Jaramillo in Bogota at ajaramillo1@bloomberg.net; Eric Sabo in Panama City at esabo1@bloomberg.net.