Panama Opens 20-Day Public Consultation on Draft Climate Change Framework Law

مايو 27, 2025

11:28 ص

Key impact points

Ministry of Environment (MiAMBIENTE) launches 20-business-day consultation under the National Transparency Law
Draft law mandates climate-focused review of all future investments and public policies, with emphasis on biodiversity protection and ecosystem regeneration
MiAMBIENTE to gather feedback via its digital platform and in-person workshops across Colón, Bocas del Toro, Chiriquí, Panamá Province, Veraguas, Guna Yala and Ngäbe Buglé

What the draft law sets out

Panama’s Ministry of Environment (MiAMBIENTE) introduced the draft Framework Law on Climate Change to:

Prioritize evaluating all future investments and public policies from a climate perspective
Require formal climate-impact assessments for every major public or private investment
Emphasize protection of biodiversity and regeneration of natural environments
Legally bind all decisions to align with protecting the climate system for present and future generations

Why it matters

“The law has a single objective: to ensure that all future decisions are aligned with protecting the climate system. It’s a commitment to the present and future generations,” said Juan Carlos Monterrey, National Director of Climate Change at the Ministry of Environment (MiAMBIENTE).

By requiring climate impact assessments before any major public or private investment, Panama aims to safeguard its ecosystems and steer its economy toward long-term resilience.

How to take part

In compliance with the National Transparency Law, the public consultation runs for a minimum of 20 business days.

Regional workshops

“We will be present throughout the country: Colón, Bocas del Toro, Chiriquí, Panamá Province, Veraguas, and the regions of Guna Yala and Ngäbe Buglé. We want to hear from all sectors: civil society, the business community, experts, and local stakeholders,” Monterrey added.

In-person consultations begin in two weeks, following initial virtual sessions. Specific invitations and schedules for each region will be issued by the Ministry of Environment (MiAMBIENTE).

Next steps

With public input in hand, MiAMBIENTE aims to finalize the draft Framework Law on Climate Change by early July, setting the stage for formal debate and subsequent enactment.