Panama’s Ministry of the Environment has ordered an immediate halt to sand extraction operations in the Punta Chame coastal area. The emergency suspension follows citizen complaints and a field inspection that uncovered unauthorized activity along a 2.5-kilometer stretch of shoreline.
Officials from the ministry, known locally as MiAmbiente, activated verification protocols after reports surfaced on social media. Technical inspections confirmed illegal sand removal, with the material allegedly being used for beach fill work at a nearby tourism development project. The scale of the operation has raised significant concerns about damage to the sensitive coastal ecosystem.
Official Action and Investigation Launched
The ministry invoked the precautionary principle (environmental law) to justify the stop-work order. A full investigation is now underway to determine if any environmental management plans or permits were in place. Authorities will scrutinize compliance with all applicable regulations.
“All actions will be carried out in accordance with the law and in defense of the country’s environmental heritage,” stated the Ministry of the Environment (Panama) in an official release. [Translated from Spanish]
The agency reiterated its commitment to natural resource protection and responding to public complaints. This incident highlights ongoing pressures on Panama’s coastlines from development. The popular area near punta chame is known for its biodiversity and scenic value.
No timeline has been given for the investigation’s conclusion. The ministry has not yet announced whether fines or restitution orders will follow its findings. Environmental groups are monitoring the situation closely, calling for strict enforcement to prevent further degradation of the beach zone.