Vital Central American wetland under threat from developers
30 percent of the world population of Western Sandpipers
rely on the Panama Bay as a critical stopover during migration. Photo:
Karl Kaufman/Panama Audubon Society
December 2012. One of the most important coastal wetlands in the Americas is under threat. The Upper Bay of Panama, an Important Bird Area, is a vital stopover site for migrating shorebirds. Up to two million individuals of 30 species use it on their way south after breeding.
Ramsar site but protected status has been withdrawn
The bay was declared a Ramsar site (Wetland of International Importance) in 2003, and included in the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network in 2005. In 2009, over 80,000 ha of the Panama Bay Wetland became a National Protected Area. However, in May this year, legal protected status was withdrawn because of pressure for urban and resort development, including hotels and golf courses. At the same time, regulations on mangrove cutting have been relaxed. Developers are reported to be at work within the Ramsar site boundary.
The bay was declared a Ramsar site (Wetland of International Importance) in 2003, and included in the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network in 2005. In 2009, over 80,000 ha of the Panama Bay Wetland became a National Protected Area. However, in May this year, legal protected status was withdrawn because of pressure for urban and resort development, including hotels and golf courses. At the same time, regulations on mangrove cutting have been relaxed. Developers are reported to be at work within the Ramsar site boundary.
The bay
provides essential ecosystem services to the people of Panama. It acts
as a "nursery" for fish and shellfish, contributing $86 million a year
to the country's economy in commercial fishing revenues. The wetlands
and mangroves also filter and purify sewage and industrial effluent,
preventing them entering the marine food chain, and act as a buffer
protecting the city from flooding and extreme weather.
Act today and write your concerns to the Panamanian government.
BirdLife
Partner the Panama Audubon Society and a coalition of local and
international environmental groups including National Audubon (BirdLife
Partner in the USA) are taking legal action for protected status to be
restored, and working with local communities to make sure their voices
are heard.
"If these wetlands are lost, you break the chain of
wetlands shorebirds need for successful migrations", says Rosabel Miro,
Panama Audubon's executive director."This sets a dangerous precedent, not just for Panama but for the entire region", warned Matt Jeffery, senior manager of National Audubon's International Alliance's Program.
In wildlifeextra.com
Courtesy of Birdlife International
