The international regional and national environment framework has changed, with new institutions emerging and new environmental legislations being established.
Likewise, new efforts of international cooperation have been made, allowing progress in the decentralization of Environmental Management. The reform of the laws in the Panamanian state presents new challenges to Environmental Management, forcing a more efficient state in the use of natural resources and directing efforts towards the achievement of sustainable development policies in the context of regional integration.
Panama's environmental status and economy are closely related; Human activities put pressure on the environment and natural resources (e.g. pollution from liquid effluents and solid waste) but they depend on natural resources. In addition, environmental status depends on its management and environmental policies. The latter are based to date on national regulations and technological progress and have international and economic dimensions.
