The national parks will have marked trails, bike paths, gazebos, observation towers, picnic areas and visitor centers.
Totally about 10 protected areas of the Republic will become part of the new program called Green Toursim, which earlier this week was launched by the Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente), the Tourism Authority and the National University of Culture of Panama.
Mirei Endara, Minister of Environment, said the project involves creating the infrastructure within the national parks, making ecotourism one of the drivers of economic growth for Panama. This all is part of the tourism development plan for the years 2015- 2019.
It is now known that the improvements will be made in national parks of Coiba, Santa Fe, La Amistad, Volcan Baru, Wildlife Refuge of Isla Iguana, Camino de Cruces, Las Cruces Trail, Darien, Marino Isla Bastimentos, San Lorenzo, Soberania, Campana and Chagres.
The project includes works such as construction of visitor centers, health facilities, entry infrastracture for visitors, gazebos, observation towers, marked trails, bike paths, picnic areas, camping areas, some of which will be built with resources from Tourism Authority of Panama.
Over $3 million will be invested into the project already this year.
“All construction works will be adequately governed by the rules and standards to ensure sustainability and conservation of environmental and cultural values in protected areas”, announces the press release of MiAmbiente.
Tourists will also soon receive a free Smartphone app called Ecotour Panama, which will aim to benefit national parks visitors, allow them locate things more easily and receive as much useful information as possible when on the spot.
National Parks of Panama
List of National Parks included into the project
