Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, (Bladex), the Panama Canal, and the Botellas de Amor Foundation, have inaugurated a new pedestrian bridge in the Watershed of the Panama Canal, built from over three tons of recycled plastic.
The partners said this initiative prevented this plastic waste from ending up in landfills, rivers, or oceans, transforming an environmental problem into a concrete solution that enhances the quality of life for communities and protects the natural environment.
The 81-meters-long structure connects four communities, improving the mobility and safety of over 300 people.
“With every step taken on this bridge, we reaffirm that waste can become a solution, and that a true commitment to sustainability has the power to transform lives,” said Jessica Janson, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Social Investment at Bladex.
This initiative is part of Bladex’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy. It is the second bridge of this type delivered by the institution; the first was inaugurated in 2023 in the Kosovo community of Puerto Caimito, Panama, as part of its vision to convert environmental challenges into opportunities for Latin American communities.
“The purpose of Bladex is to build bridges between Latin America and the world to support the development of our clients and the region. Projects like this are an extension of that purpose brought to life within communities and form part of our contribution toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and human future for our region,” said Jorge Salas, CEO of Bladex.
The project was built using plastic profiles manufactured by Fundación Botellas de Amor from recycled materials and benefited from the operational and logistical support of the Panama Canal. The collaboration also included collection campaigns, environmental awareness initiatives, and volunteer activities led by Bladex and the Panama Canal.
“For the Panama Canal, being part of this project is a source of pride. It reflects our commitment to the environment and to the communities within the Panama Canal Watershed,” said Ilya Espino de Marotta, Deputy Administrator of the Panama Canal.
The Watershed of the Panama Canal is crucial at an international level as it is the source of water for the operation of the Canal. It is vital for global maritime navigation, facilitating the transit of ships between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and connecting 170 countries through 180 maritime routes. It is also key for the supply of drinking water for the Panamanian population. The watershed also hosts communities that are conscious of protecting their environment and a rich biodiversity, with significant protected areas.
