More than 50 organizations who are part of the “No to Puerto Barú” campaign are trying to get a proposed Panamanian port development, Puerto Barú in David, moved to Puerto Armuelles instead. The organizations say the move would not only minimize environmental damage to mangroves, marine species and other wildlife, but would also have significant economic and environmental advantages for the region of Chiriquí over the currently proposed location.
The groups, which include CIAM, Adopta Bosque, CEASPA, FUNDICCEP, Audubon Panama and PROMAR, say the proposed port would impact a sensitive area that is home to 25% of Panama’s mangroves. The area is also home to bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales and critically endangered species such as the hawksbill sea turtle and the black-crowned central American squirrel monkey. The groups say all of these species will be impacted if the Puerto Barú project in David goes ahead as planned.
A new report conducted by international firm Lynker environmental science and engineering consultancy, found Puerto Armuelles has deep waters, sufficiently sheltered conditions, and cargo route access to the Pan-American Highway. It could accommodate higher frequency of traffic and ships up to 350 meters in length, double the size proposed for Puerto Barú.
“Our analysis shows that the oceanographic and bathymetric conditions around Puerto Armuelles are not only favourable for port operations, but that the site also has greater potential for increased investment in the future by accommodating more and larger vessels,” said Dr. Julio Zyserman at Lynker. “Previous assumptions that the site could not handle heavy cargo are unfounded; this report shows that sustainable development of a multipurpose regional port, which will support the economy while avoiding disastrous environmental impacts, is possible.”
