Panama
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
Translated from Spanish
1. Overview
Panama's Pact with Nature (Pacto de Panamá con la Naturaleza, also referred to as the Nature Pledge) is the country's unified national plan for biodiversity, climate change, land degradation, and marine conservation, announced by President José Raúl Mulino at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025 [§6]. Signed by Minister of Environment Juan Carlos Navarro, the document explicitly updates and replaces the National Biodiversity Strategy 2018 [§12]. The Pact integrates three international convention frameworks under a single country plan: the National Biodiversity Strategy (CBD/KMGBF), the National Land Degradation Neutrality Strategy (ENDT, UNCCD), and the Nationally Determined Contribution 3.0 (Paris Agreement).*
The Pact sets eleven national commitments** — one near-term milestone by 2027 and ten commitments with 2035 deadlines. Ten of the eleven are measurable commitments with quantified thresholds; the 2027 milestone is a directional aspiration. National commitments map primarily to GBF Targets 2, 3, 7, 10, 11, 19, 21, and 22. The Pact states that all commitments will be accompanied by "verifiable indicators and public monitoring mechanisms developed in the technical annexes" [§6]; those annexes are not included in the source material reviewed for this page.
The principal financing instrument is the Panama Natural Fund (Fondo Panamá Natural), also announced at UNGA 2025 and designated "the cornerstone of this commitment," designed to guarantee permanent, long-term financing for conservation without increasing public debt [§6].
* The Pact with Nature integrates three international convention frameworks — the CBD/KMGBF, UNCCD, and Paris Agreement — under a single national plan, replacing the 2018 National Biodiversity Strategy.
** Panama refers to these as "national targets" (metas nacionales) within the Pact with Nature. This page uses the KMGBF term "national commitment" throughout.
Panama's Pact with Nature formally subsumes the National Biodiversity Strategy, the National Land Degradation Neutrality Strategy, and the NDC 3.0 under a single country plan, motivated by "overcoming fragmentation and prioritising integrated, multisectoral solutions." Ten measurable national commitments set quantified thresholds for protected area coverage, ecosystem restoration, deforestation elimination, emissions reduction, and plastic pollution by 2035. Panama's marine protected area coverage of 54.7% already exceeds the global 30×30 threshold; the 2035 commitment of 60% constitutes further consolidation of that coverage rather than a gap to close.
Sources:
- §6 — Panama's Pact with Nature (Nature Pledge)
- §12 — Commitments, Targets and Institutional Arrangements for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity
2. Ecological Context
Panama's position as a continental land bridge between North and South America gives it a distinctive ecological profile: terrestrial, marine, and continental water ecosystems converge within a comparatively small national territory [§12]. The country identifies itself as possessing "one of the greatest biological riches on the planet" [§12], with 67.1% of its territory covered by forest ecosystems [§12]. Its marine environments include coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, fish stocks, and emblematic species — including humpback whales that migrate to Panamanian waters — sustaining artisanal fishing, sustainable tourism, food security, and climate mitigation services [§12].
Natural ecosystems capture and store carbon and function as natural barriers against droughts, floods, and storm surges [§12]. The NBSAP frames biodiversity conservation as "a direct pathway to achieving Land Degradation Neutrality and reinforcing climate change mitigation and adaptation" [§12], establishing the ecological basis for the Pact's triple-convention integration.
Panama currently maintains more than 122 terrestrial and marine protected areas, with marine protected area coverage at 54.7% of its seas [§13]. Recent conservation gains include the expansion of biological corridors and connectivity zones alongside strengthening of the National Protected Areas System (SINAP) through ranger training, inter-institutional cooperation, and satellite environmental monitoring [§13].
The National Ocean Policy and the Wetlands Policy integrate biodiversity criteria into the management of productive and territorial sectors [§13]. Flagship programmes at the Ministry of Environment — the Green Tourism Action Plan, Wildlife Rescue and Relocation Plans, and the Natural and Cultural Heritage Conservation Programme — link conservation with sustainable development and local well-being [§13].
Sources:
- §12 — Commitments, Targets and Institutional Arrangements for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity
- §13 — Progress in Biodiversity Conservation
3. National Commitments and GBF Alignment
The Pact with Nature sets eleven national commitments across two time horizons. They were developed through participatory workshops in 2024 under the GBF–EAS project ("Support for Early Action of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework"), led by the Directorate of Protected Areas and Biodiversity with UNDP support, to establish "measurable, budgeted and explicit national targets" to be monitored through National Biodiversity Reports [§12].
Protected Areas and Connectivity
By 2027: Panama commits to the "valuation, revitalisation and full consolidation" of its national system of national parks and protected areas, with management strengthened "under the highest international standards" [§6].
Measurability: Directional aspiration. The 2027 deadline is stated, but "full consolidation" and "highest international standards" are not defined thresholds.
GBF alignment: GBF Target 3 (protected areas).
By 2035: Panama commits to officially protecting 40% of its terrestrial territory and 60% of its seas [§6]. Marine protected area coverage already stands at 54.7%, nine years ahead of the global 30×30 deadline; the 60% commitment represents further consolidation of that coverage [§12][§13]. The terrestrial 40% commitment exceeds the global 30×30 threshold.
Measurability: Measurable commitment. Both thresholds and the 2035 deadline are stated.
GBF alignment: GBF Target 3.
Panama also commits to consolidating a functional network of at least three resilient biological corridors in the regions of Azuero, Coclé, and Veraguas, targeting a 30% reduction in unplanned agricultural expansion in those zones by 2035 [§15].
Measurability: Measurable commitment. Minimum count (three corridors), named subnational regions, quantified agricultural expansion reduction threshold, and 2035 deadline are all specified.
GBF alignment: GBF Targets 1, 3, 10.
Key instrument: National Protected Areas System (SINAP).
Ecosystem Restoration and Land Management
Panama commits to restoring and conserving 100,000 hectares of strategic terrestrial and marine ecosystems by 2035, with at least 50% achieved by 2030 [§6][§15]. The restoration programme prioritises at least 25% of degraded lands, with emphasis on key biodiversity areas, priority watersheds for water and food security, buffer zones, mangroves, lands with a forestry vocation, agricultural lands, and biological corridors. Full programmatic detail and delivery mechanisms are set out in Section 4.
Measurability: Measurable commitment. Threshold (100,000 hectares), interim milestone (50% by 2030), and deadline (2035) are all stated.
GBF alignment: GBF Targets 2, 10, 11.
Panama commits to achieving net zero illegal deforestation by 2035 [§6].
Measurability: Measurable commitment. Zero threshold and 2035 deadline are stated.
GBF alignment: GBF Target 10.
Two further land-management commitments accompany the restoration target: absorbing or reducing at least 1 million tonnes of CO₂e in the LULUCF sector [§15], and improving sustainable productivity by 20% in key productive landscapes [§15], both by 2035.
Measurability: Measurable commitments. Quantitative thresholds and 2035 deadline are stated in both cases.
GBF alignment: GBF Targets 8, 10.
Key instruments: National Land Degradation Neutrality Strategy (ENDT); National Mapathon of Forest Cover and Land Use.
Climate and Emissions
Panama commits to reducing emissions by 11% by 2035 through the Nationally Determined Contribution 3.0, formally integrated into the Pact [§6]. The reference year for this reduction is not specified in the source material.
Measurability: Measurable commitment. The 11% threshold and 2035 deadline are stated; the reference year is not identified in the source material.
GBF alignment: GBF Target 8.
Key instruments: NDC 3.0; National Adaptation Plan (NAP Panama).
Pollution Reduction
Panama commits to reducing plastic pollution by 50% by 2035, paired with a commitment to build a circular economy that "eradicates plastic pollution and transforms waste into innovation and opportunities" [§6]. The source material does not specify a baseline year or measurement methodology for the 50% reduction.
Measurability: Measurable commitment for the 50% reduction target. The circular economy framing is a directional aspiration. No baseline year is specified.
GBF alignment: GBF Target 7.
Ocean, Finance, and Institutional Commitments
Panama assumes international ocean leadership commitments — including co-leading the creation of the first High Seas Marine Protected Area at 10 million km², leading the Silent Ocean Coalition, and leading the Coalition of Pioneer Countries of the BBNJ Treaty — that operate beyond national jurisdiction [§6]. These commitments are developed in full in the Panama's Ocean and High Seas Commitments section.
The Panama Natural Fund is the permanent financing vehicle for the Pact, financed through the Panama Natural Fund (see Finance and Resource Mobilisation) [§6][§20].
The proposed merger of three Rio Convention committees into CONACLABIT under a National Green Transition Cabinet constitutes a directional commitment contingent on the draft Framework Law on Climate Change and Green Transition; no enactment timeline is stated [§19].
Sources:
- §6 — Panama's Pact with Nature (Nature Pledge)
- §12 — Commitments, Targets and Institutional Arrangements for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity
- §13 — Progress in Biodiversity Conservation
- §15 — Progress in Land Degradation Neutrality
4. Delivery Architecture
Legislation and policy frameworks
The Framework Law on Climate Change and Green Transition (Ley Marco de Cambio Climático y Transición Verde) is the primary legislative vehicle for integrating the three convention agendas under a single domestic legal framework. At the time of the Pact's announcement, the law remains in draft form; no enactment date is specified [§19][§20]. The law proposes both the institutional merger into CONACLABIT (see Monitoring and Accountability) and new market instruments including a National Carbon Market and regulation of green and sustainable bonds [§20]. The National Ocean Policy and the Wetlands Policy integrate biodiversity criteria into the management of productive and territorial sectors [§13].
Conservation programmes
SINAP is the primary conservation management instrument, strengthened through ranger training, inter-institutional cooperation, and satellite environmental monitoring [§13]. Three flagship programmes under the Ministry of Environment link conservation with sustainable development: the Green Tourism Action Plan, Wildlife Rescue and Relocation Plans, and the Natural and Cultural Heritage Conservation Programme [§13].
Land restoration instruments
The National Land Degradation Neutrality Strategy (ENDT), in implementation since 2018, has delivered the restoration of more than 18,000 hectares of forests and mangroves through public-private and community partnerships, the rehabilitation of degraded agricultural lands and pasturelands, and the training of producers in conservation agriculture and regenerative livestock farming [§15]. The restoration programme integrates Nature-based Solutions, participatory ecological restoration, agroforestry and silvopastoral systems, reforestation with native species, and community-based ecological restoration mechanisms, with projected LULUCF absorption of at least 1 million tonnes of CO₂e and a 20% improvement in sustainable productivity in key productive landscapes by 2035 [§15].
The National Mapathon of Forest Cover and Land Use (Mapatón Nacional de Cobertura Boscosa y Uso del Suelo) uses remote sensing and participatory analysis to detect land-use changes and guide corrective actions in real time [§15].
Territorial delivery
Regional Climate and Nature Observatories (Observatorios Regionales de Clima y Naturaleza) are designated as the territorial platforms where all Pact commitments are to be realised — from restoration and biodiversity protection to water management, pollution, and community resilience [§6]. Watershed Committees (Comités de Cuenca Hidrográfica), active across Panama's 52 watersheds, integrate municipalities, communities, water users, the private sector, academia, and social organisations into territorial management [§19]. Rural Aqueduct Management Boards (Juntas Administradoras de Acueductos Rurales, JAAR) support community-level execution and monitoring [§19].
Climate adaptation
The National Adaptation Plan (NAP Panama), supported by the Green Climate Fund, provides the framework for risk management and sectoral planning [§20]. A Planned Relocation Protocol — described as "dignified and just" — has been established to safeguard communities that must relocate; the 2024 relocation of the community of Gardi Sugdub in Guna Yala is cited as an established precedent for this protocol [§6].
Sources:
- §6 — Panama's Pact with Nature (Nature Pledge)
- §13 — Progress in Biodiversity Conservation
- §15 — Progress in Land Degradation Neutrality
- §19 — Governance
- §20 — Financing
Panama's Ocean and High Seas Commitments
Panama assumes a leadership role in four international ocean mechanisms operating beyond national jurisdiction, structurally distinct from its domestic marine protected area programme.
Panama commits to leading the creation of the first High Seas Marine Protected Area covering 10 million square kilometres to safeguard the oceanic boundaries of the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor [§6]. This would constitute a continuous high-seas protected zone across a shared regional seascape. No ratification deadline or intermediate governance milestone is specified in the source material.
Panama leads the Silent Ocean Coalition, a multilateral initiative targeting the reduction of underwater acoustic pollution and its impacts on migratory marine species [§6]. The Pact identifies underwater noise from shipping and industrial activity as a threat to marine biodiversity, addressed through this coalition rather than through domestic regulation.
Panama leads the Coalition of Pioneer Countries of the Treaty on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), the international instrument adopted at the United Nations in 2023 to govern marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction [§6]. The country positions its BBNJ coalition leadership as a direct expression of the Pact's ocean governance commitments.
Panama commits to supporting the Antarctic Avengers campaign against industrial krill fishing in Antarctica, framing this in the context of maintaining the health of the Southern Ocean food web [§6].
Panama also maintains formal opposition to seabed mining and calls for a global moratorium based on the precautionary principle [§6].
These five commitments reflect a structural choice in the Pact with Nature: Panama designates itself a leader of international ocean mechanisms at scales beyond its own territorial waters, organising those commitments around the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor as a shared regional ecosystem.
Sources:
- §6 — Panama's Pact with Nature (Nature Pledge)
5. Monitoring and Accountability
Governance structure
Panama currently operates three independent coordination bodies for the Rio Conventions: the National Climate Change Committee, the Inter-institutional Biodiversity Commission, and the National Committee to Combat Drought and Desertification [§19]. The Pact acknowledges these bodies "operate independently, which limits coordination and reduces the scope of policies" [§19].
The draft Framework Law on Climate Change and Green Transition proposes to address this fragmentation by establishing a National Green Transition Cabinet (Gabinete Nacional de Transición Verde) as a high-level inter-institutional body, supported by the National Committee on Climate, Biodiversity and Land (Comité Nacional de Clima, Biodiversidad y Tierra, CONACLABIT) [§19]. CONACLABIT would merge the three existing committees into a unified body, "ensuring greater scope in decision-making, promoting the alignment of agendas and avoiding isolated or duplicated efforts, while also providing space for multisectoral representation" [§19]. This merger is contingent on enactment of the Framework Law; no legislative timeline is stated.
National-subnational coordination
Watershed Committees across Panama's 52 watersheds function as "operational arms of the system, integrating municipalities, communities, water users, the private sector, academia and social organisations" [§19]. Together with Rural Aqueduct Management Boards (JAAR) and local authorities, they carry responsibility for "execution, monitoring and feedback of adaptation, conservation and sustainable water management actions at the community level" [§19]. The governance design establishes a two-way information flow: strategic orientation from CONACLABIT to the territories, and data, experiences, and community needs flowing upward from local bodies [§19].
Monitoring, reporting and verification
Environmental targets are to be underpinned by an integrated Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system housed within the National Climate Transparency Platform (Plataforma Nacional de Transparencia Climática, PNTC) [§21]. The MRV system brings together progress on the climate, biodiversity, and land agendas in a single platform, "using common indicators, generating periodic reports and facilitating the independent verification of results" [§21]. The methodology maintains alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals and the three Rio Conventions [§21]. Monitoring is linked to four planning instruments: the NDC, the National Adaptation Plan, the National Biodiversity Strategy, and the Land Degradation Neutrality Strategy [§21].
The Pact does not specify indicator counts, reporting timelines, or baseline methodologies for the MRV system. The technical annexes containing "verifiable indicators and public monitoring mechanisms" are not included in the source material [§6].
Sources:
- §6 — Panama's Pact with Nature (Nature Pledge)
- §19 — Governance
- §21 — Implementation and Monitoring
6. Finance and Resource Mobilisation
Panama's financing architecture centres on the Panama Natural Fund (Fondo Panamá Natural), announced at the United Nations General Assembly 2025 [§20]. The Fund is designated "the cornerstone of this commitment" and is designed to channel public, private, and international cooperation resources toward conservation, restoration, water management, and climate resilience, "guaranteeing the continuity of actions beyond political cycles" [§20]. The Pact frames it explicitly as a mechanism that does not increase public debt [§6]. Capitalisation amounts, governance structure, contributing sources, and disbursement criteria are not specified in the source material.
Panama's First Biennial Transparency Report 2024 identifies approximately USD 1,230 million (USD 1,230,132,292.62) as needed to finance 21 adaptation initiatives underway or in design, focused on resilience, water security, and ecosystem management [§17][§20]. These needs are concentrated in three areas: financing, capacity strengthening, and technology transfer. This figure is framed as a financing need identified in the BTR, not a firm pledge.
International cooperation constitutes a primary delivery channel. The Green Climate Fund supports NAP Panama, while the Global Environment Facility (GEF) funds drought, land restoration, and community actions through the Small Grants Programme [§20]. Panama commits to continuing partnerships with the Adaptation Fund and multilateral development banks for co-financing, technical assistance, and capacity strengthening [§20].
The draft Framework Law on Climate Change and Green Transition proposes two new market instruments: a National Carbon Market and regulation of green and sustainable bonds, intended to attract private investment toward emissions reduction, adaptation, and conservation "with criteria of transparency, traceability and environmental and human rights safeguards" [§20]. Both are contingent on enactment of the draft law.
The Pact prioritises "new, additional, predictable and accessible environmental financing, including innovative instruments that do not increase the country's public debt" and commits to "proactively and enthusiastically promote entrepreneurship and private investment, prioritising free enterprise and sustainability" [§6]. Effective implementation is stated to depend on "timely access to adequate means of support, prioritising non-reimbursable funds and financing on favourable terms that do not increase external debt" [§17].
Sources:
- §6 — Panama's Pact with Nature (Nature Pledge)
- §17 — Needs for Implementation
- §20 — Financing
7. GBF Target Coverage
GBF Target 1: Spatial planning
Tier 2 — Mentioned. The Pact does not present a dedicated spatial planning framework for biodiversity. Spatial planning elements are present in the commitment to consolidate at least three biological corridors in Azuero, Coclé, and Veraguas with a 30% reduction in unplanned agricultural expansion in those zones. The National Mapathon of Forest Cover and Land Use provides geospatial monitoring for detecting land-use changes in real time. Watershed Committees across 52 watersheds integrate territorial management at subnational scale, and LDN and adaptation criteria are being incorporated into watershed plans.
GBF Target 2: Ecosystem restoration
Tier 1 — Addressed. Panama commits to restoring and conserving 100,000 hectares of strategic terrestrial and marine ecosystems by 2035, with at least 50% achieved by 2030 [§15]. The restoration target prioritises at least 25% of degraded lands, with emphasis on biodiversity key areas, priority watersheds, buffer zones, mangroves, forestry lands, agricultural lands, and biological corridors. Approaches include Nature-based Solutions, participatory ecological restoration, agroforestry and silvopastoral systems, reforestation with native species, and community-based ecological restoration. Since 2018, more than 18,000 hectares of forests and mangroves have been restored under the ENDT. Restoration actions are projected to absorb or reduce at least 1 million tonnes of CO₂e in the LULUCF sector and improve sustainable productivity by 20% in key productive landscapes by 2035.
GBF Target 3: Protected areas (30×30)
Tier 1 — Addressed. Panama commits to officially protecting 40% of its terrestrial territory and 60% of its seas by 2035, exceeding the global 30×30 threshold in both dimensions [§6]. Marine protected area coverage already stands at 54.7%, nine years ahead of the global deadline; the 60% target constitutes further consolidation. By 2027, a near-term milestone commits to the "valuation, revitalisation and full consolidation" of the national parks and protected areas system under "the highest international standards." Panama's 122+ protected areas are managed through SINAP with ranger training, inter-institutional cooperation, and satellite monitoring. Panama further commits to leading the creation of the first High Seas Marine Protected Area covering 10 million km² in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor (see Panama's Ocean and High Seas Commitments).
GBF Target 4: Species recovery
Tier 2 — Mentioned. The Nature Pledge states that Panama will "halt the loss of species and habitats." Wildlife Rescue and Relocation Plans are listed among the Ministry of Environment's flagship programmes, and the NBSAP references emblematic marine species including humpback whales. Quantified species recovery targets, species-specific recovery programmes, and genetic diversity conservation measures are not stated.
GBF Target 5: Sustainable harvest
Tier 2 — Mentioned. The NBSAP commits to "sustainable fisheries" and identifies artisanal fishing as dependent on healthy marine ecosystems. The broader strategy framework references the sustainable use of biodiversity. Specific targets for sustainable harvesting rates, trade volumes, or overexploitation management measures are not stated.
GBF Target 6: Invasive alien species
Tier 3 — Not identified. Content addressing GBF Target 6 was not identified in this NBSAP.
GBF Target 7: Pollution reduction
Tier 1 — Addressed. Panama commits to reducing plastic pollution by 50% by 2035, accompanied by a commitment to build a circular economy that "eradicates plastic pollution and transforms waste into innovation and opportunities" [§6]. The source material does not specify a baseline year or measurement methodology for the 50% reduction. Panama also leads the Silent Ocean Coalition to reduce underwater acoustic pollution and its impacts on migratory marine species. Nutrient losses, pesticide risk reduction, and broader chemical pollution beyond plastics and noise are not addressed.
GBF Target 8: Climate and biodiversity
Tier 2 — Mentioned. The NBSAP frames climate change and biodiversity as interconnected crises requiring integrated responses, with biodiversity listed as a priority adaptation area. Ecosystem-based adaptation is a stated approach, aiming to generate co-benefits that strengthen resilience and ecological integrity. The 11% emissions reduction (NDC 3.0) is integrated into the Pact's unified framework. Specific measures to minimise climate impacts on biodiversity — such as climate refugia, assisted migration, or climate-adapted protected area design — are not detailed.
GBF Target 9: Wild species use
Tier 2 — Mentioned. The NBSAP references sustaining artisanal fishing, food security, and sustainable fisheries as outcomes of marine ecosystem conservation. The Nature Pledge states that "ancestral knowledge and the benefits of nature are cared for, conserved and shared fairly and equitably." Specific targets for managing wild species use or for channelling benefits to vulnerable populations are not stated.
GBF Target 10: Agriculture and forestry
Tier 1 — Addressed. Panama commits to achieving net zero illegal deforestation by 2035, improving sustainable productivity by 20% in key productive landscapes by 2035, and reducing unplanned agricultural expansion by 30% in biological corridor zones in Azuero, Coclé, and Veraguas [§6][§15]. The restoration programme integrates agroforestry and silvopastoral systems. Producers have received training in conservation agriculture and regenerative livestock farming; degraded agricultural and pastureland has been rehabilitated under the ENDT since 2018. The strategy commits to resilient agri-food systems guaranteeing food sovereignty and dignified livelihoods for farmers, rural women, indigenous peoples, local communities, and Afro-descendant communities.
GBF Target 11: Ecosystem services (NbS)
Tier 1 — Addressed. Nature-based Solutions are embedded as a cross-cutting implementation approach for the 100,000-hectare restoration target. The NBSAP commits to restoring "the contributions of nature to people — such as ecosystem functions and services including air and water regulation, soil fertility, disaster protection and disease risk reduction" and to strengthening connectivity between terrestrial and marine ecosystems [§15]. Regional Climate and Nature Observatories serve as territorial delivery platforms for restoration, biodiversity protection, water management, and community resilience. The LDN strategy frames sustainable soil management as a mechanism for restoring ecosystems while driving resilient territorial development.
GBF Target 12: Urban biodiversity
Tier 2 — Mentioned. The Nature Pledge includes a commitment to promoting "sustainable cities, designed with nature-based solutions, resilient infrastructure and clean mobility." Specific urban biodiversity targets, green space metrics, or biodiversity-inclusive urban planning measures are not elaborated.
GBF Target 13: Genetic resources and ABS
Tier 2 — Mentioned. The Nature Pledge states that Panama will ensure "ancestral knowledge and the benefits of nature are cared for, conserved and shared fairly and equitably." This constitutes a statement of principle on benefit-sharing. No ABS legislation, registry, traditional knowledge protocols, or digital sequence information measures are described.
GBF Target 14: Mainstreaming
Tier 2 — Mentioned. The Pact's central organising principle — integrating biodiversity, climate, and land degradation agendas under a single framework — constitutes a structural form of cross-sectoral mainstreaming. The National Ocean Policy and Wetlands Policy have integrated biodiversity criteria into the management of productive and territorial sectors. The proposed CONACLABIT, enabled by the draft Framework Law on Climate Change and Green Transition, is the legislative vehicle for formalising this integration. Sector-by-sector mainstreaming plans and biodiversity impact assessments for non-environmental policies are not detailed.
GBF Target 15: Business and biodiversity disclosure
Tier 3 — Not identified. Content addressing GBF Target 15 was not identified in this NBSAP.
GBF Target 16: Sustainable consumption
Tier 2 — Mentioned. The Nature Pledge commits to a circular economy that "eradicates plastic pollution and transforms waste into innovation and opportunities" and to reducing plastic pollution by 50% by 2035. Food sovereignty is referenced as an objective of agri-food system resilience. Consumption-side measures beyond plastics and waste — including food waste reduction or overconsumption footprint — are not addressed.
GBF Target 17: Biosafety
Tier 3 — Not identified. Content addressing GBF Target 17 was not identified in this NBSAP.
GBF Target 18: Harmful subsidies
Tier 3 — Not identified. Content addressing GBF Target 18 was not identified in this NBSAP.
GBF Target 19: Finance mobilisation
Tier 1 — Addressed. The NBSAP dedicates a full section to financing and identifies it as foundational to achieving all conservation, restoration, and climate targets. The Panama Natural Fund, announced at UNGA 2025, channels public, private, and international cooperation resources for conservation, restoration, water management, and climate resilience with continuity beyond political cycles [§20]. The draft Framework Law on Climate Change and Green Transition proposes a National Carbon Market and regulation of green and sustainable bonds. Panama's First Biennial Transparency Report 2024 identifies USD 1,230 million as needed for 21 adaptation initiatives. International cooperation sources include the Green Climate Fund, the Global Environment Facility, the Adaptation Fund, and multilateral development banks. The strategy prioritises non-reimbursable funds and financing on favourable terms that do not increase external debt, with explicit reference to innovative instruments and debt-reduction framing.
GBF Target 20: Capacity and technology
Tier 2 — Mentioned. Capacity strengthening and technology transfer are identified in Panama's First Biennial Transparency Report 2024 as priority implementation needs alongside financing, covering 21 initiatives in planning or execution. SINAP has been strengthened through ranger training and satellite environmental monitoring. International cooperation partners provide technical assistance and institutional strengthening to rural communities. The National Mapathon uses remote sensing and participatory analysis. A dedicated capacity-building programme or technology transfer strategy with specific targets is not presented.
GBF Target 21: Data and information
Tier 1 — Addressed. The NBSAP commits to an integrated Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system within the National Climate Transparency Platform (PNTC), bringing together climate, biodiversity, and land agenda progress "using common indicators, generating periodic reports and facilitating the independent verification of results" [§21]. The system is linked to the NDC, NAP, National Biodiversity Strategy, and LDN Strategy. The National Mapathon provides participatory geospatial data on forest cover and land use. Strategic use of technology and environmental traceability is reported to have improved transparency and the application of environmental law. Indicator counts, reporting timelines, and baseline methodologies are not specified.
GBF Target 22: Inclusive participation
Tier 1 — Addressed. The NBSAP explicitly names the groups whose participation it commits to ensuring: women, children, youth, indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, rural and coastal communities, older persons, persons with disabilities, entrepreneurs, business owners, investors, academics, and activists [§6]. The Nature Pledge declares that "no one can be left behind" and frames climate justice as "an ethical and political mandate." National biodiversity commitments were developed through participatory workshops in 2024 under the GBF-EAS project. Regional Climate and Nature Observatories commit to including children, adolescents, and youth in the design of solutions. Watershed Committees and Rural Aqueduct Management Boards (JAAR) provide community-level participation mechanisms. The Office of the Environment of Indigenous Peoples is identified within the institutional structure of the Ministry of Environment (MiAMBIENTE).
GBF Target 23: Gender equality
Tier 2 — Mentioned. The Nature Pledge states that "gender equality and the empowerment of women will be cross-cutting principles of this transformation." LDN targets are described as gender-sensitive. Resilient agri-food systems are framed as ensuring dignified livelihoods specifically for "farmers, rural women, indigenous peoples, local communities and Afro-descendant communities." A gender action plan, gender-specific indicators, or implementation mechanisms for gender mainstreaming in biodiversity actions are not specified.