Panamanian environmental authorities have ordered an immediate stop to illegal construction work on El Palmar beach in San Carlos. The Ministry of Environment, known as MiAmbiente, acted on a municipal report about unauthorized activity within a protected coastal zone this week.
Inspectors from the Chame-San Carlos Agency, working with local municipal engineers and National Police units, confirmed the violation during a site visit. They found a foreign national using an excavator to remove stones from the beach area. The individual was attempting to reinforce an existing wall without any of the required permits.
Violation of Protected Coastal Zone
The illegal activity occurred specifically within the legally protected ordinary high tide line. This coastal area is subject to strict federal environmental regulation in Panama. Officials notified the individual in charge of the project about the infraction and halted all work on the spot.
“Any action in beach areas and zones under environmental regulation must first have the proper legal authorizations and permits,” stated an official release from the Ministry of Environment (Panama). [Translated from Spanish]
The statement emphasized that these rules exist to guarantee the protection of coastal resources. Following the order, those responsible removed the heavy equipment and construction material from the site. The swift action prevented further alteration of the beach’s natural state.
This enforcement highlights the government’s focus on protecting Panama’s vulnerable coastlines. The Ministry of Environment regularly conducts these coordinated operations with local authorities. Their goal is to prevent irreversible damage to sensitive ecosystems before it happens.
Beachfront development remains a contentious issue across Panama’s popular coastal districts. Unauthorized modifications can lead to erosion and habitat destruction. The ministry’s message is clear. All construction in these zones requires prior approval, no exceptions.