Summary.
The bill proposes the development, management, and maintenance of forests in corregimientos (districts) throughout the Republic of Panama. It defines them as publicly owned land measuring at least two hectares, designated or transferred by the State for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration and regeneration, environmental education, and ecotourism, agritourism, and recreation benefiting the community. Implementation would follow principles of sustainability, public participation, environmental education, equitable access to benefits, and cooperation among institutions and other participants.
For land to be designated as such a forest, the bill requires State ownership, conservation value or restoration potential, and suitable conditions for educational, tourism, and recreational programs. It also requires an environmental impact study prepared by a qualified professional and approved by the Ministry of Environment (Ministerio de Ambiente), registration with the district Mayor’s Office, and an environmental management plan prepared by a qualified professional. The plan must assess the area’s biodiversity and include conservation and regeneration measures and educational, recreational, and ecotourism activities. It must also provide for mitigation, conservation, restoration, and preservation under Law 41 of 1998 (Ley 41 de 1998).
Works, infrastructure, or activities subject to environmental impact assessment would have to comply with Law 41 of 1998 and Executive Decree No. 123 of 2009 (Decreto Ejecutivo No. 123 de 2009), together with the applicable procedure and conditions set by the Ministry of Environment. Ecotourism would follow applicable tourism rules and a good-practice guide consistent with guidelines from the Panama Tourism Authority (Autoridad de Turismo de Panamá). The public entity owning the land would notify the ministry, municipality, and community board of its designation so that it can be entered in the Register of Forests in Corregimientos and monitored jointly. The bill also calls for continuing coordination and information exchange.
Management support would involve the Ministry of Education (Ministerio de Educación), Ministry of Agricultural Development (Ministerio de Desarrollo Agropecuario), Agricultural Innovation Institute of Panama (Instituto de Innovación Agropecuaria de Panamá), National Institute of Vocational Training and Human Development (Instituto Nacional de Formación Profesional y Capacitación para el Desarrollo Humano), Ministry of Government (Ministerio de Gobierno), and Provincial Governor’s Offices (Gobernaciones Provinciales), alongside local governments and other participants. Permitted activities would include conservation, restoration, education, sustainable tourism, research, low-impact recreation, and cultural events compatible with the forest’s purposes. Unauthorized hunting, fishing, and collection, illegal logging, ecosystem destruction, and activities harmful to environmental integrity or outside the approved plan would be prohibited.
The Ministry of Environment would promote non-tax incentives for certified forests, including public recognition, technical assistance, priority access to cooperation programs, and possible donations. Certified forests could be designated community forest heritage for access to those benefits. Funding could come from cooperation, donations, activity revenue, and private contributions. Implementing regulations would be issued no later than ninety days after promulgation, and the law would take effect the following year after promulgation in the Official Gazette. The provisions could concern municipalities, community boards, local communities, environmental organizations, research centers, universities, and the tourism and agricultural sectors.
What it proposes.
- Designation and management of forests in corregimientos (districts).
- Conservation, restoration, and environmental education.
- Ecotourism, compatible activities, and non-tax incentives.
- Institutional coordination and funding.
Who it would affect.
- Public entities owning land designated for these forests.
- Environmental authorities and local governments.
- Communities and organizations participating in their management.
- People and entities conducting activities within these forests.
Key points.
- Defines a forest in a corregimiento (district) as public land of at least two hectares designated for conservation, restoration, environmental education, and sustainable activities.Art. 2
- Requires environmental and use conditions, an approved environmental impact study, district registration, and an environmental management plan before designation.Art. 4
- Subjects activities requiring assessment to environmental impact rules and ecotourism to applicable tourism standards and good practices.Art. 5
- Requires notice of designation for registration and monitoring, and coordination among the entities and participants supporting management.Arts. 6-7
- Lists activities compatible with conservation and prohibits unauthorized collection, illegal logging, and activities contrary to the approved plan.Arts. 8-9
- Provides for non-tax incentives for certified forests and potential funding through cooperation, activities, and private contributions.Arts. 10-11
- Sets a deadline for implementing regulations and postpones commencement until the year following promulgation in the Official Gazette.Arts. 12-13