Panama has joined the international butterfly trade for the first time. The ecological business of butterfly farming, which started just over a year ago, is already bearing fruit for the country and for small breeders.

Panama is experiencing massive anti-mining protests following the expedited approval of a controversial mining contract with Minera Panamá, a subsidiary of First Quantum Minerals. The contract, ratified by President Laurentino Cortizo, has sparked widespread discontent due to environmental concerns and perceived government corruption. Environmentalists and organizations like Panamà Wildlife Conservation and Centro de Incidencia Ambiental (CIAM) have criticized the project for its impact on biodiversity. The protests, which have included road blockades and strikes, have significantly disrupted the country's economy. The situation is further complicated by upcoming general elections in 2024, adding to the social unrest.

At least 39 migrants lost their lives in a traffic accident. The individuals had recently crossed the Darién jungle and were being transported to a shelter in the border area with Costa Rica.

In Panama, there is a unique castle known as 'Castillo inspiración,' made from recycled plastic bottles. Its creator aims to save beaches from pollution and spread awareness about environmental conservation.

Climate change and an El Niño-induced drought have significantly impacted the Panama Canal, leading to the imposition of restrictions on vessels by authorities to maintain trade and canal operations.

The Panama Canal, heavily reliant on freshwater, has been significantly impacted by climate change, necessitating restrictions on vessel cargo and reduced ship transit. These measures have led to notable economic repercussions.

The relationship between humans and insects is closer than many might imagine. In Panama, a scientist is investigating human evolution through the study of ants.

A UNESCO study on biosphere reserves and geoparks has projected that nearly 10 million people could be at risk of food and social insecurity in the next decade due to climate change. Droughts and floods are the main manifestations of the temperature change.

Low water levels in the Panama Canal are posing a risk to investments and causing widespread concern.

Mangroves are considered a key element in combating climate change, capturing four times more carbon than other plants and protecting coastal areas from flooding. Despite their importance, it is estimated that 42 percent of these forests have been lost in recent years.

Barro Colorado Island in Panama serves as a vital research center attracting approximately 1,200 scientists annually for environmental studies. The 15-kilometer area, formed over 100 years ago during the construction of the Panama Canal, was established as a protected space due to its rich biodiversity and unique location between two oceans.

Droughts and floods are increasingly frequent challenges for many agricultural producers. In the Province of Chiriquí, Panama, a community of women has embraced sustainability as a standard.

In the context of a global trade slowdown, there is an aspiration to make Latin America a hub for relocating production centers of U.S. companies currently based in Asia. Supply chain failures have prompted a reevaluation of global trade.

The flow of migrants through the dangerous Darién jungle has significantly decreased following the new US immigration policy towards Venezuelans. Panamanian authorities are now focusing on the border with Costa Rica to prevent re-entries.

Since its construction in 2018, the Regional Logistics Center for Humanitarian Assistance in Panama has been instrumental in responding to emergencies in countries such as Haiti, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, the Caribbean islands, and Venezuela. The center, which spans approximately 12,000 square meters, has mobilized around 4,500 tons of humanitarian aid to over 30 countries in 2021. It houses deposits from the United Nations and the International Red Cross and is projected to expand to 40,000 square meters. The hub has been crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitating the distribution and storage of support, and has moved $60 million worth of aid in 2021. The UN deposit in Panama is one of six globally and the only one in the continent, with over 100 partners worldwide. The hub's strategic location and infrastructure have saved international institutions over $1.5 million in annual rent and offer a rapid response time of 36 to 48 hours for emergencies.

Mairim Solís, a Panamanian scientist at the Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas, leads research on COVID-19's effects on pregnant women and placentas, despite Panama's low science budget. With funding from the British Embassy in Panama and the L´Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program, her team studies the virus's presence in placentas and potential therapeutic uses of stem cells. Solís, educated in Taiwan, advocates for women's increased leadership in science.

Former President of Panama, Ricardo Martinelli, is facing a judicial process for alleged espionage during his administration while simultaneously aspiring to be elected as the Mayor of Panama City and a deputy in the National Assembly in the upcoming May elections. Despite the trial beginning on March 12, Martinelli remains active in politics, supported by his party and social media campaigns. The trial, which will not be televised due to legal restrictions, could impact his ability to assume office if elected. Martinelli's defense has repeatedly raised concerns about his health, claiming a risk of death. The political atmosphere remains charged with the rivalry between Martinelli's administration and that of Juan Carlos Varela, highlighting the intertwining of justice and politics in Panama.