Panama

Land use and diminishing biodiversity

Changing land use in Panama threatens the country’s rich biodiversity, and in particular, the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and indigenous communities in rural areas. Between 1950 and 2000, more than one million hectares of tropical forest were converted to pasture. Two complementary projects sought to address these challenges by strengthening governance of biodiversity and promoting more sustainable development.

In the first component, Nancy Gélinas helped develop a network engaging local NGOs, indigenous communities and other interested groups. Two interns from Université Laval pursued research projects in Panama, while Dr. Gélinas initiated new research on deforestation that brought together indigenous groups, rural farmers, the government and other researchers. Led by Catherine Potvin from McGill University, this project is developing a national strategy to reduce emissions from deforestation and soil degradation, while reconciling differences between indigenous groups and rural farmers.

The second project focused on the province of Darien where extensive animal breeding has damaged fragile soil. Led by Patrice Dion, researchers identified a variety of socioeconomic, scientific and agricultural factors that could help promote breeding systems based on the sustainable development of pastures. Towards the project’s end, the team began seeking additional funds to continue the work, particularly around using the jatropha tree to restore soil fertility. Dr. Dion, who learned of this tree’s potential while in Haiti, has helped bring Haitian and Panamanian researchers in contact with each other to exchange knowledge and ideas.