The administration of the interoceanic canal successfully completed the first phase of dialogue with affected families, to whom it offers a "comprehensive compensation package in terms of housing, land, economic means, and sociocultural aspects." The Panama Canal Authority (ACP), responsible for the route through which 3% to 6% of world trade passes, reported on Wednesday that the initial stage of a consultation process that lasted nine months and included more than 200 community and individual meetings has been completed.
Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) As part of the so-called Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) and Livelihood Restoration, seven rounds of dialogue were held in each of the nine geographic zones that group the affected populations. 38 communities will be resettled to make way for the construction of a new reservoir intended to supply water to the Panama Canal.
This process is governed under strict international standards, specifically the International Finance Corporation's (IFC) Performance Standard 5.
Commitments and Compensations "As a result of this dialogue and attending to the opinions and recommendations of the families, the Canal presented its commitment, in a written document, that contains the compensation measures in terms of housing, land, economic means, and sociocultural aspects," stated an official communication from the institution. These actions, discussed over the past few months, aim to address the direct impacts of the project, ensure improvements to the current living conditions of residents, and establish solid strategies for the restoration of the livelihoods of the families involved in the area of the future reservoir.
