The project in Panama, led by the Ministry of Environment (MiAMBIENTE) in collaboration with the SDG 6 IWRM Support Programme, through the Global Water Partnership (GWP), aims to address the growing threats of climate change on the country's abundant water resources. Panama has been facing challenges such as severe droughts, changing rain patterns, and increased storm frequency, impacting agriculture and the vital Panama Canal.

To tackle these issues, Panama developed the Action Plan for Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) 2022-2026, consisting of 35 key actions with a budget of USD 14 million. The government has already committed USD 3.36 million for implementation of the plan. Basin-level empowerment enabled local committees to contribute their experiences to the Action Plan.

GWP supported the government in collecting relevant data, initiating multistakeholder consultations, and fostering cooperation among government ministries and various organisations. GWP acted as a facilitator throughout the process,

promoting collaboration between local and global experts, investing approximately EUR 40,000 in supporting this process over three years.

Some of the actions the government is taking forward include the creation of the Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, aquifer studies, and updates to environmental management instruments.

Next steps include completing a resource mobilisation plan to secure additional funding, expanding basin-level planning beyond the Parita river, and advancing agreements for transboundary basin management. One remarkable step in that regard is Panama's accession to the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes in 2023.

Overall, this project showcases how data collection, multistakeholder engagement, and strategic planning can enhance water management in the face of climate change, ensuring Panama's water security for the future.