Location of the Research Center
The Panama Institute is located in the middle of the Mesoamerican biological green corridor of Central America – the biocorridor of the Isthmus of Panama. It is, therefore, on the one hand, a natural resource for climate change mitigation as such, but more specifically, for the maintenance of genetic diversity of regional fauna through the possibility of undisturbed migratory movements.
On the one hand, located directly on the Caribbean coast and in the area of influence of the Rio Estero Salado, the immediate surroundings of the research center offer the entire spectrum of saline and freshwater areas, complemented by a resulting brackish water zone. This zone has an interesting mangrove population, which is available in its natural state for research purposes.
The Panama Institute is located in the province of Veraguas, in the coastal area of the municipality of Santa Fe, in the administrative unit of Corregimiento Calovebora (coordinates: 8.803703, -81.120791).
On-site Infrastructure
The research center consists of a total of nine buildings, with seven buildings available for accommodation between two and four people. Each building features a full sanitary block. If necessary, up to six people can be accommodated in each house.
A laboratory building with 70 square meters of floor space is available in the immediate vicinity of the housing facilities, with basic equipment, including refrigerators and freezer facilities. Another building has been established for storage and the technical area.
Due to the different research agendas of the scientists, it is pointed out that specific research equipment has to be taken along or obtained in Santiago or Panama City. Of course, the management of the research center will assist as much as possible with on-site procurement or the delivery of necessary materials and technology for the implementation of the respective research activities.
The sanitary facilities, water heating, and cooling systems have been built according to European standards and have been technically and functionally approved by the Panamanian Ministry of Environment. An internet connection (Starlink) is available in living areas, social areas, and laboratory buildings.
The technical supply units, such as laundry, workshop as well as energy supply, are located in the technical area, which relies on solar energy as the primary source; in emergencies, a generator with a capacity of 25-kilowatt hours is also available.
Basic medical equipment is available on-site.
Due to the exposed nature of the facility, the institute provides a full board for the researchers. Food is served in a central kitchen with an adjoining dining area; the kitchen can also be shared at times for the researchers’ own catering activities. A bar is also located in this area to ensure the possibility of social gatherings despite the remoteness.
In the area, there is a wooden hut (40 square meters) at the mouth of the river into the ocean with its own sanitary facilities. It can be used for relaxation and as a starting point for sports activities. Due to the location in the direct vicinity of the river, brackish water area, and ocean, fishing is also possible on site. A facility for the production of coconut oil for self-supply is also available.
Three boats are available on site: one for up to 12 persons/covered, one for up to 6 persons/open, and a small river boat. The boats are housed in a covered boat dock. Several smaller wooden rowing kayaks are available for free use, subject to availability.