A Massive Undertaking: The Panama Canal Facing Revolutionary Changes

An ambitious project is on the horizon in Panama, which could change the face of entire regions. The plan is to construct a huge reservoir to ensure the survival of the Panama Canal, so crucial to the world economy, in times of climate change. However, this venture could mean that many communities in western Panama, including Tres Hermanas, with its fertile landscape and infrastructure, may disappear from the map. The $1.6 billion development is polarizing: while some residents await their compensation packages before agreeing to relocate, others oppose the project. They fear the fate of other large-scale projects that have failed due to public resistance. Recently, Panama’s Supreme Court invalidated a controversial mining contract, leading to the closure of a mine. Despite all challenges, the project has political support since the Panama Canal constitutes a significant part of the small country's economic output and handles about 2.5% of global maritime trade. Critics already see the scale of the environmental impacts, particularly deforestation and biodiversity loss. Another challenge is the relocation of more than 2,000 people, while the canal urgently needs solutions in the face of increasing droughts. The project is under time pressure, as the effects of climate change are already noticeable. With an additional water supply, the canal could handle thousands more ships annually. An alternative water supply over the Bayano River, called the Viva Idea, was considered, but it faced greater technical difficulties and high costs. Nevertheless, this route may gain importance in the future, as climate change and geographical peculiarities continue to challenge our approach to large infrastructure projects.