According to the international organization The Ocean Cleanup, 7 of Panama’s rivers have been identified among the most polluted in the world. These rivers are located in the provinces of Panamá and Panamá Oeste, with the main cause of pollution being wastewater from homes, residential areas, as well as surrounding commercial and industrial activity.
Solutions such as “eco-barriers” to trap solid waste have been implemented, helping to prevent tons of plastic and trash from reaching the ocean. However, these efforts are not enough.
What were once sources of fresh water have now become streams of waste and pollution.
Urgent action is needed to improve the state of our rivers. This requires structural changes, new technologies, and raising public awareness about consumption habits and proper waste — especially wastewater — management.
