Panama's Minister of the Environment, Juan Carlos Navarro, emphasized the need for utmost care to save as many trees as possible. He stated that the priority is to protect what can be safeguarded without hindering development, while avoiding irreversible damage. Navarro also stressed that the process must include public consultation. He explained that the Ministry of the Environment has already notified the company in charge that it is not authorized to begin tree-clearing work. Until the environmental impact study is finalized and validated as per regulations, no progress can be made on that front. Navarro highlighted that while the project is necessary, it does not justify skipping environmental procedures. He specifically mentioned the century-old caoba trees along Vía España, stating, 'Not a single tree can be cut on Vía España. The public must be able to opine on the project's impact.'
