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Puerto Caimito is a populated area belonging to the township of the same name in the district of La Chorrera, Panama Oeste province. It is a coastal area of great ecological and cultural value, where mangroves and wetlands sustain artisanal fishing and local identity. However, these ecosystems face degradation due to urbanization, pollution, and overexploitation. The objective of this study is to explore the possibility of creating a Coastal Wildlife Refuge that integrates environmental conservation, sustainable tourism, and community participation. The research takes a descriptive-propositional approach, based on a review of legal frameworks and environmental studies, supplemented by interviews with local stakeholders. The results show that the sample consisted of 147 people, 94.6% of whom were in favor of creating a wildlife refuge, which would allow for the conservation of critical habitats, diversification of the economy through ecotourism, and strengthening of territorial resilience. The discussion highlights the need for a participatory governance model, bringing together institutions, universities, and the community. It concludes that the refuge represents a strategic alternative for protecting biodiversity and consolidating a model of sustainable tourism development in Puerto Caimito.
