Ocean governance is an underrepresented integrated policy approach and strategy, with few examples, and insufficient data and analysis in Panama. It refers to the process that combines government structures, processes, norms and other aspects of public policy that shape the way in which different stakeholders make decisions and pursue accountability in the application of management tools in natural spaces, with the purpose that ecosystems and the services they provide to society are restored and preserved in quality and quantity for all stakeholders. This review was carried out by analyzing documents from national and international sources, following key aspects of the Decalogue and describing the current state of Panama regarding marine governance issues. The review unquestionably evidenced showed that there is a lack of adequate mechanisms for marine governance; however, the international normative framework and its advances at the national level are recognized. This work prioritizes interdisciplinary research as a central axis for the planning, implementation and evaluation of management plans, suggested to follow and prioritize the National Ocean Policy. Furthermore, considering that the ocean is multidimensional and globally connected, demographic and functional connectivity should be considered a crucial element for integrating science into the decision-making process.
Author Biographies
Milagros Gonzalez Samudio, Coiba Scientific Station (COIBA AIP)
Milagros Aldirelys Gonzalez Samudio, senior student at the International Maritime University of Panama, to obtain a bachelor's degree in marine biology. Her educational background includes courses/semesters at Princeton University, University of California Santa Barbara and Coiba AIP Research Station, which were based on tropical biology of terrestrial and marine ecosystems. She has also taken courses focused on the analysis of coastal-marine situations conducted by institutions such as Ramsar Creho and Mar Viva Foundation. In addition, workshops/trainings related to the state of Panama's oceans and coasts, marine governance and project formulation. She has worked as a volunteer and intern in projects focused on marine-coastal species, with emphasis on cetaceans. She has won 3 small grants for the development of research/divulgative projects. She was winner of the award for academic excellence (IMUP) by Central American University Superior Council and has written 2 articles in journals.
Pedro Arenas Granados, Universidad de Cadiz
Member of the Research Group on Integrated Management of Coastal Areas (HUM.117-UCA). Scientific researcher of the Coastal Lagoons Program of the Marine and Coastal Research Institute INVEMAR-Colombia (1988-1990); Head of the Planning Division of the Regional Environmental Authority of Magdalena (Colombia) 1990-1995; Advisor on coastal-marine environmental policy of the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Colombia and the Inter-American Development Bank -IDB- (1996-2004). With more than 35 years of experience in research, consultancy, teaching and management related to Integrated Coastal and Marine Management (ICM) in Ibero-America. Coordinator of the Ibero-American Sub-Network of Postgraduate Training and Research in ICM -AUIP- (2016-present). Promoter and member of the Ibero-American Network of Integrated Coastal Management IBERMAR-CYTED (2008-current). 44 publications (journals, book chapters and books). Member of the Editorial Committee of COSTAS Magazine (UNESCO, IBERMAR, AUIP) 2012-present.
