Ilya Espino Presents Río Indio Lake Project in Coclé

Within the framework of the tenth anniversary of the expansion of the Panama Canal, the Deputy Administrator, Chief Sustainability Officer, and designated Administrator for the 2026-2033 period, Ilya Espino de Marotta, along with institutional representatives, held a discussion with various sectors of the province of Coclé to share updates on the Río Indio Lake project and other strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening water security and the sustainability of the interoceanic waterway.

The activity allowed for the explanation of technical, social, and environmental aspects of this initiative, which seeks to guarantee water supply for more than half of the Panamanian population and for the Canal's operations over the coming decades.

During her intervention at the event, organized by the Veraneras Gardening Club of Penonomé, the Deputy Administrator highlighted the strategic value of the project, especially in a context where the country must prepare to face the challenges associated with climate variability and the possible incidence of the El Niño phenomenon, whose effects are beginning to manifest.

Espino de Marotta also provided details on the dialogue process developed with the communities that will need to be resettled as part of the lake's creation. She explained that significant progress has been made and that, as a result of the dialogue tables, a compensation framework has been established with the participation and contributions of the communities, which will serve as the basis for individual agreements.

Likewise, she referred to the different initiatives aimed at the socioeconomic development of the region, including forest restoration programs, incentives for forest protection, and the land titling program, through which residents have the opportunity to legalize their properties with the accompaniment of the Panama Canal.

The Deputy Administrator also shared information on the actions currently underway for the preparation of the Environmental Impact Study, the construction of 27 kilometers of road, the improvement of production roads, and other works and initiatives that promote the development of communities in the area.

The event, held at the Technological University of Panama (Penonomé campus), was attended by members of the organizing club, representatives of civic clubs, university students, teachers, social communicators, and members of civil society.