Ships that are a thousand feet long travel through the Panama Canal daily, passing by submerged stumps of a forgotten forest and the lush canopies filled with parrots and howler monkeys. The canal sees around 14,000 ships each year, carrying 6 percent of the world’s commercial goods. A recent drought caused by El Niño in early 2023 led to a significant drop in water levels, affecting traffic flow through the canal. The water scarcity exposed tops of trees that were submerged when the canal was built over a century ago. It typically takes 52 million gallons of water to navigate a ship through the locks of the canal, resulting in delays and restrictions on the number of ships passing through daily.
Efforts to address the water scarcity issue include increasing rainfall, improved water management by the Panama Canal Authority, and the installation of a third set of water-recycling locks. However, with El Niño recurring every 2 to 7 years and the impacts of climate change intensifying, future problems are likely. To secure a sustainable water supply, the canal authority is considering damming the Río Indio to create a new reservoir and constructing a tunnel to connect it to the canal, a project estimated to take six years and $1.6 billion.
While this solution aims to provide water security for the canal and local residents for the next 50 years, it comes with social and environmental challenges. The project would displace over 2,000 Panamanians and impact the livelihoods of thousands more in the surrounding area. Large dam projects have historically led to displacement and economic challenges for affected communities, highlighting the importance of fair compensation and community consultation in such development projects.
Community activism and consultation play a crucial role in mitigating the risks associated with large-scale infrastructure projects. Recent protests against environmental degradation in Panama, such as the closure of the Cobre Panama copper mine, showcase the power of public pressure in influencing policy decisions. As discussions continue between the canal authority and affected communities regarding the Río Indio reservoir, it is essential to prioritize the well-being of local residents and the environment in any development plans.
