Amphibian Survival Alliance Supports Panama's Launch of National Key Biodiversity Areas Assessment

Panama City, Panama | May 18, 2026 — The Amphibian Survival Alliance (ASA) proudly joins the Ministry of Environment of Panama and the Key Biodiversity Areas Partnership in announcing the official launch of Panama's National Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) Assessment through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

This initiative marks an important step forward in Panama's efforts to identify, assess, and safeguard the sites most critical for biodiversity across the country while advancing national and international commitments under the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM GBF).

Supported by ASA as a partner of the KBA Partnership, the initiative will apply the globally recognized KBA Standard to identify areas of exceptional importance for species, ecosystems, and ecological processes. The assessment will directly support Panama's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), national conservation priorities, and the country's commitment to the global 30x30 target to effectively conserve at least 30% of terrestrial and marine areas by 2030.

H.E. Juan Carlos Navarro, Minister of Environment of Panama, emphasized the significance of the partnerships established through the initiative:

"Today, Panama takes an important step forward by strengthening collaboration with the Key Biodiversity Areas Partnership and the Amphibian Survival Alliance. These international allies will support the country in identifying and protecting areas of highest biodiversity importance, including Indigenous territories, through a collaborative and science based process. This effort is especially important for amphibian conservation, as amphibians continue to disappear across Panama, the Americas, and the world. Protecting these ecosystems is fundamental for the wellbeing of present and future generations."

The MOU signing brought together government leaders, conservation partners, and representatives of Panama's Indigenous communities, whose stewardship is central to the future of the country's protected landscapes. Photo: Ministerio de Ambiente, Panamá.

"As a Panamanian scientist and conservationist, it is incredibly meaningful to witness Panama taking this important step toward strengthening biodiversity conservation through science, collaboration, and long term national commitment," said Gina Della Togna, Executive Director of ASA. "This process demonstrates how countries can translate global biodiversity commitments into concrete national action while strengthening collaboration among government institutions, scientists, civil society organizations, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and international partners."

Panama is recognized globally as one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, serving as a biological bridge between North and South America and hosting exceptional levels of species richness and endemism. The country also represents one of the most important regions globally for amphibian diversity and conservation.

Amphibians are currently the most threatened group of vertebrates on Earth, with habitat loss, climate change, pollution, invasive species, and emerging infectious diseases driving unprecedented declines worldwide. Panama has experienced some of the most dramatic amphibian population losses ever documented, particularly due to chytridiomycosis, yet it also remains a global leader in amphibian research, conservation, rescue, and restoration efforts.

"Protecting Key Biodiversity Areas is especially important for amphibians because many species depend on very small and highly specific habitats for their survival," added Dr. Della Togna. "For some amphibian species, the protection of a single stream, forest patch, or watershed can determine whether that species survives or disappears forever. Identifying and safeguarding these critical sites is fundamental for preventing extinctions and maintaining healthy ecosystems."

Gina Della Togna, Executive Director of the Amphibian Survival Alliance, speaking at the MOU signing ceremony at Panama's Ministry of Environment. Photo: Ministerio de Ambiente, Panamá.

The National KBA Assessment will be coordinated through a National Coordination Group composed of government institutions, academic experts, conservation organizations, Indigenous representatives, and private sector stakeholders. This collaborative process seeks to ensure that biodiversity priorities are identified transparently and incorporated into national planning and decision making.

Dr. Andrew Plumptre, Head of the KBA Secretariat, stated:

"Panama's commitment to undertaking a national KBA assessment demonstrates important leadership in applying the KBA Standard to guide conservation action. Identifying sites of global biodiversity importance is essential for achieving international biodiversity targets and ensuring that conservation investments are directed where they are needed most."

The initiative will also contribute to strengthening ecosystem resilience, protecting critical habitats, securing ecosystem services, and supporting climate adaptation and water security for communities across Panama.

Importantly, the National KBA Assessment will help position Panama to access and mobilize international biodiversity financing opportunities through mechanisms such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and other multilateral and bilateral funding mechanisms. The use of globally recognized scientific standards strengthens the country's ability to align conservation investments with national priorities and international commitments.

"This initiative is also a powerful example of what can be achieved through collective action," said Dr. Della Togna. "Every institution participating in this process brings years of experience, technical expertise, and commitment to biodiversity conservation in Panama. Together, these efforts create a stronger and more integrated vision for the future of conservation in the country."

Through this initiative, Panama continues to strengthen its role as a regional and global leader in biodiversity conservation while contributing to international efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.