environment

UNESCO demands action on Coiba

UNESCO has sent a letter to the Panamanian government expressing concern over the changes in regulations regarding fishing in Coiba National Park, which was declared a World Heritage site by the agency in 2005.

The letter was sent to José Watson, who is the country's representative to the agency. It was prompted by the repeal of a 2004 law which banned the use of purse seines to fish for tuna. That law was repealed through the Maritime Trade Act passed earlier this year.

In its letter, UNESCO officials reminded the government that, under an agreement it signed to recognize the area as a World Heritage site, it agreed to protect the area.

The letter came to light last Tuesday in the debate that took place in the environmental subcommittee of the National Assembly. That debate was being held to discuss amending the law.

“The opening of this site to the fishing industry is not compatible with its status as a World Heritage site,” the letter stated.

It also quoted the words of President Martín Torrijos, who called the repeal of the 2004 law an “oversight.”

“We will monitor this situation, and ask for a report confirming that this law has been corrected,” the UNESCO letter stated.

Some within the government have opposed restricting fishing in the area, claiming that there are substantial economic benefits to allowing that activity to take place.

Torrijos, however, has made it clear that he wants the fishing ban to be put back into effect, a move applauded by environmental groups across the country.