Eco-friendly Panama
Not long ago CNN reported Panama among the Top Ten Ethical Travel Destinations as ranked by the Ethical Traveler Organization. It ranks countries on the basis of unspoiled natural beauty, memory-making outdoor activities and opportunities to interact with local people in a mutually enriching way. Ethical Traveler ranked Panama second in environmental protection, because of major reforestation projects and programs to encourage farmers to create sustainable tropical ecosystems. Panama has also protected huge areas of tropical rainforest from commercial development. A strict National Animal Welfare Law protects animals from exploitation.
The Punta Bruja Nature Reserve, 20 acres of tropical rainforest, provides the natural backdrop of our all-inclusive Westin Playa Bonita. Walking paths in the area lead to unfamiliar plants and animals, but be warned the terrain is hilly and the coastal forests can be steep and exhausting for the unfit hiker. Remember bug spray and bottled water.
Though found across Central and South America this soaring tree is known as the Panama tree and is the official national tree.
We elected to take an excursion into the rainforest about half-way across the isthmus and to cruise the Rio Gatun to visit the communities of indigenous Embera, forest residents long before Panama became an element of one of the world’s best palindromes. The original immortal palindrome devised by British wordplay and mathematics expert Leigh Mercer in 1948 was “A man, a plan, a canal—Panama.” Over time various clever palindrome engineers have created elaborate variants. Like this one: A man, a plan, a cat, a ham, a yak, a yam, a hat, a canal—Panama.
These villagers relocated west to the interior rivers north of Panama City as their rainforest homes in the remote east of Panama were transformed into an extensive national reserve. They once lived solitary lives apart even from each other along inaccessible jungle rivers. Now they have accustomed themselves to village life together along the Gatun and the Chagres Rivers to profit from tourist dollars spent on their crafts and by performing traditional dances for the cameras. They receive much of their crafts for sale from relations still living in the deep forests, with whom they share the revenues. Highly recommended as a day trip from the resort.
Travelers to Panama have the opportunity to visit warm and charming rainforest river dwellers less than an hour’s journey from contemporary Panama City with its skyline boasting more skyscrapers of any city in the Western Hemisphere save New York and Chicago. 16 of the 25 tallest buildings in Latin America are in Panama City. You will find a panoramic plethora of cityscape photo-ops at an abundant number of esplanades or promenades or other Frenchy-sounding scenic overlooks.