New alliance between Panama and CATIE will boost advanced training and scientific cooperation on environmental issues

• The agreement will strengthen human talent development, applied research, and technical training in key areas such as biodiversity, forests, bioeconomy, and productive landscapes

CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) and the Ministry of Environment of Panama signed, on February 24, a cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening research, higher education, and training in key areas for environmental sustainability and the country’s productive development.

The agreement was signed by the Honorable Minister of Environment of Panama, Juan Carlos Navarro, and CATIE Director General, Dr. Luis Ernesto Pocasangre, in a ceremony attended by directors from various areas of the Ministry, CATIE’s representative in Panama, Mr. Elvin Britton, and accredited journalists.

During his remarks, Minister Navarro highlighted the value of this alliance with an institution of recognized academic and scientific prestige in the region. “It is an honor to sign a cooperation agreement with an institution of CATIE’s reputation,” he stated, while emphasizing that numerous professionals from the Ministry of Environment have strengthened their capacities through CATIE’s Graduate School, located in Turrialba, Costa Rica.

The Minister also noted that this agreement will open new opportunities for young Panamanians to access master’s and doctoral programs, as well as specialized courses in strategic areas such as watersheds, forests, biodiversity, bioeconomy, productive landscapes, and protected areas management. These areas are essential to strengthening environmental governance and addressing the challenges of climate change and natural resource conservation in Panama.

For his part, Dr. Pocasangre reaffirmed CATIE’s commitment to capacity building and regional cooperation. “Panama is a key partner in Central America, and from CATIE we reiterate our full support to the Ministry of Environment and to the administration of Minister Juan Carlos Navarro to promote joint actions in research, education, and sustainability,” he stated.

As part of the official ceremony, CATIE’s Director General presented Minister Navarro with a commemorative bag marking the 75th anniversary of CATIE’s International Coffee Collection, as well as a sample of coffee produced by CATIE’s genetic improvement program. The Central American hybrid, recognized for its quality and winner of cups of excellence in the region, was appreciated by the Minister, who highlighted its aroma and quality.

This agreement consolidates cooperation between Panama and CATIE and represents a strategic step toward strengthening human talent development, the exchange of scientific knowledge, and the implementation of sustainable solutions that contribute to the conservation of natural resources and resilient development in the region.