Panama’s Ministry of Environment (MiAMBIENTE) has announced a one year closure of the Protected Landscape of Isla Escudo de Veraguas-Degó, near Bocas del Toro on the country’s Caribbean coast, citing severe environmental disorder and destruction.

Published 4 days ago

Isla Veraguas is closed until October 2026

Source:  Ministerio De Ambiente

In a statement, the Ministry of Environment (MiAMBIENTE), through Resolution DM-0489-2025, ordered the temporary closure of the Protected Landscape of Isla Escudo de Veraguas-Degó for a period of 12 months, from October 1, 2025.  The closure is to guarantee the conservation of the area’s extraordinary marine and terrestrial ecosystems and to protect endemic species that are critically endangered worldwide.

“This closure is due to the recent disorder and environmental destruction to which this irreplaceable protected area has been subjected, declared an indelible public asset and national historical heritage by Opinion C-170-02 of 2002 of the Attorney General’s Office.

“The urgent measure issued by MiAMBIENTE establishes a one-year closure period, beginning from the date of the respective resolution, during which all tourism, recreational, fishing, navigation, construction, or any other use of natural resources within the protected area will be suspended. Only scientific, corrective, cleanup, environmental restoration, monitoring, or control activities previously authorized by the National Directorate of Protected Areas and Biodiversity of MiAMBIENTE will be permitted.”

Officials are expected to develop a monitoring and ecological recovery plan over the next year to determine whether reopening the area is feasible or if further restrictions will be needed.

Coiba National Park Re-Opens after Temporary Closure

The Ministry of Environment also confirmed the reopening of Coiba National Park (PNC) on the Pacific side of Panama after a temporary closure due to a yellow alert issued for Tropical Storm Melissa.

While this UNESCO Heritage Site is open again, all visitors to the area are urged to remain vigilant for any changes in weather conditions and to follow the recommendations issued by the authorities and staff of Coiba National Park. This will ensure the safety of visitors and the protection of an area known for its pristine beaches rich marine biodiversity and coral ecosystems.

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Related News:

• Destruction and Environmental Disorder Force Temporary Closure of the Protected Area of Escudo de Veraguas-Degó (MiAMBIENTE)
• Coiba National Park reopens after improved weather conditions (MiAMBIENTE)
• Panama Reopens Coiba National Park while Ordering Temporary Closure of Isla Escudo De Veraguas (Casa Solutions)

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