“In summary, this update not only improves Panama’s ability to monitor and manage its forest resources but also reinforces its international commitment to combatting climate change,” said Eduardo Reyes, Senior Advisor, CfRN

The report provides detailed findings on carbon emissions and removals from all of Panama’s forests. The study highlights the impacts of deforestation and forest degradation, as well as the benefits derived from the growth of secondary forests, mangroves, and commercial tree plantations. With the updated reference level, Panama can now better evaluate the effectiveness of its national policies and measures.

Panama had a change of government in July 2024 and the new authorities decided to rejoin the CfRN to effectively continue their fight to reverse deforestation. CfRN supported Panama in the process of completing the new FRL, which incorporated the latest carbon measuring methodologies and tools—such as CfRN’s Land Use Assessment app—which uses satellite imagery and systematic field sampling to obtain more detailed and precise data.

The CfRN team also conducted in-person ‘data mapathon’ sessions in Panama. Between September 2-27, 2024, CfRN supported experts from the ministry of environment in tracking land use and land use change and collecting data. The mapathon sessions collected 2010-2024 data and made estimates for Panama’s national greenhouse gas emissions inventory (GHGi). The data were used in the new FREL and also to estimate the country’s REDD+ results (2021 to 2023). REDD+ Results provide a country with Internationally Transferable Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) that are tradable as carbon credits in the international market.

Panama officially presented its new Forest Reference Level to the public at an event organized by the Ministry of Environment through the Climate Change Directorate, and supported by CfRN. The Minister of Environment, Juan Carlos Navarro, emphasized that the study’s high technical rigor will support evidence-based decision-making on its national forests. He also underscored the need for ongoing collaboration across sectors to implement effective conservation, restoration, and sustainable development measures. The presentation was attended by government representatives, forestry management experts, and civil society members. The ministry of environment posted a ‘thank you’ message to the CfRN team on X (formerly Twitter) on February 4th.

The UNFCCC will begin their review of the new FRL in March with the ministry of environment, supported by CfRN.