Panama has opened its first ecological highway in the Caribbean region. This project, which had been stalled for years due to legal issues and environmental objections, is now being revived with new regulations. The highway crosses the newly created Sierra Llorona National Park in Colón and comes with strict measures to protect nature. Environment Minister Juan Carlos Navarro made it clear that this is not just any road. The project focuses on job creation, tourism, and regional development, betting on ecotourism as a key driver in Colón. It was reactivated after fixing flaws in the study and adding measures that even gained the support of some organizations that were previously against it. Among the strongest changes are 35 wildlife crossings distributed along the highway. The protected area covers more than 16,000 hectares, with rich biodiversity that includes species like the tapir, jaguar, ocelot, and collared peccary. Authorities assure that the project—which is 40% complete—aims not only to protect the environment but also to boost the economy. There are wildlife crossings, speed controls, a ban on heavy machinery, and surveillance by park rangers, something the minister said had never been genuinely applied in the country before. There are aerial bridges for monkeys and squirrels, land crossings for species like the jaguar or puma, and special routes for animals from wetland areas. All designed to prevent roadkill and maintain ecological connectivity. Additionally, the highway will have a speed limit of 40 km/h, two toll booths, and zero passage for heavy vehicles. The idea is that development should not come at the expense of wildlife. The Caribbean Corridor project, nearly 30 kilometers long, had been suspended by the Supreme Court due to complaints about its environmental impact.
