[Versión en Español aquí] We need your help to protect and preserve the Hogar Gatún Forest Reserve No. 001-1204-2022 forest registry, which is currently threatened with destruction.

A civil judge together with a justice of the peace in favor of the private interests of a public official and his family illegally opened a road inside the reserve. Destroying a reforested area of 70 native trees. Violating in this way the Panamanian constitution, both national and international environmental laws.

In 2021 we won an Amparo de Garantías Constitucionales, sentence 026 of August 24, 2021, where it is clearly written that there is no road within the reserve.

The reserve belongs to the Panama Canal watershed and is subject to Law 1 and 41 of the National Environmental Authority. The reserve has springs, which are the source of streams and rivers, its waters are pure and crystalline. These waters are used by families from El Valle and Quebrada Ancha community for their consumption.

This tropical forest with primary trees has a biodiversity that is very specific. The variety of orchids, mammals, birds, insects, reptiles among others are very significant for the ecosystem.

Currently the reserve is a refuge, home to many species, since livestock farming and felling of trees are encouraged on the nearby lands. The creation of the road encouraged poaching of animals and felling of trees within the reserve.

Why do we need your help? Despite the fact that all our documentation is in order and the verdict is in our favor. The injustice of these officials not only affects us but the entire planet, our home. Environmental responsibility falls on all of us. We need international organizations to take an interest and put pressure on the Panamanian authorities to see this injustice. We ask that the illegal road be closed immediately, that our perimeter fences be reestablished and that the Hogar Gatún Forest Reserve No. 001-1204-2022 of the Ministry of Environment forest registry be respected.