Project News

As an activity to increase the understanding of reforestation among our farmer groups, we took a study tour of a reforestation site on September 1, 2007.

The propagation of canal grass (scientific name: Sacharum spontaneum) is a persistent problem in the areas surrounding the Project.  It is said that this exotic, perennial plant was introduced during the Canal construction era (and thus its common name in Panama) in order to prevent landslides on the Canal banks.  Once this grass invades a deforested area, it develops a tight root system that impedes the growth of any other vegetation; even if the land is left fallow the forest cannot naturally regenerate.  Also, the dry canal grass easily catches fire making it a problem in the control of forest fires as well (photo 1).

On this tour we visited the object area of a project called "Ciudad del Arbol" ("Tree City" in Spanish) where the Panama University and the Panama Canal Authority are experimenting with planting native trees in the canal grass to try and restore forest coverage.  As can be seen in photo 2, the reforested trees are growing well in the canal grass.  Photo 3 shows an engineer from the Panama Canal Authority explaining their activities to our group.  After cutting out the canal grass, native tree species are planted.  Even after planting, the seedlings still have to be cared for.

The explanation of the various positive outcomes of reforestation, such as the recovery of headwaters, the reduction of forest fires, and the return of birds, animals and insects to the forest was met by great surprise and interest from tour participants.  We plan to now develop reforestation and tree-planting activities with our farmer groups.

(Photo 1: left) An expanse of canal grass.
(Photo 2: right) Reforestation site of the "Tree City" project.

(Photo 3: left) After cutting the canal grass, native tree species are planted.
(Photo 4: right) Commemorative photo of study tour participants.

(Mr. Taku MORI, Environmental Education / Coordinator)