Marea Verde Panama

At Marea Verde Panama, we believe that the health of our rivers defines the health of our seas.
That’s why we launched Siete Cuencas, a project that aims to stop plastic pollution at its source by intervening in the main urban rivers that flow into the Bay of Panama.

This initiative was born from our experience in the Juan Díaz River, where since 2022 we’ve intercepted over 477,000 kilos of floating waste, preventing it from reaching the sea thanks to the joint work of our hydraulic wheel Wanda Díaz and the floating barrier BoB.

A partnership that multiplies impact

Siete Cuencas is an alliance between Marea Verde Panama and the international organization The Ocean Cleanup, recognized worldwide for its work in removing plastics from rivers and oceans.
Together, we combine advanced technology, local knowledge, and community action to protect one of the country’s most valuable ecosystems: the Bay of Panama, declared a Ramsar Site for its biodiversity and ecological importance.

The project covers seven rivers: Juan Díaz, Matías Hernández, Río Abajo, Matasnillo, Curundú, Tapia, and Caimitillo — all connected by one shared goal: to stop waste before it reaches the sea.

In June 2025, we installed the second barrier of the project in the Río Abajo River, which flows out near Panamá Viejo. Since its implementation, this barrier has intercepted more than 23,000 kilos of floating waste, preventing it from reaching the bay.

We are now working on the installation of the third system in the Matías Hernández River, which flows into Costa del Este, a key area for the conservation of mangroves and coastal habitats.

These actions are just the beginning: with the intervention of all seven watersheds, we estimate that over one million kilos of waste will be prevented from reaching the ocean in the coming years.

Beyond waste collection, Siete Cuencas seeks to transform the relationship between communities and their rivers.

The project is built on three main pillars:
📊 Monitoring and research: We collect data on the types and volumes of waste to understand their sources and design evidence-based public policies.
🏫 Environmental education: We work with schools and communities to promote waste separation and responsible consumption.
🌿 Citizen participation: We strengthen collaboration between the public sector, private companies, and civil society to build a shared water culture.

United for a cleaner Panama

The progress of Siete Cuencas is possible thanks to the support of national and international donors committed to a sustainable future, including:

🌿 Founding Donors: Banco General, Bladex, Fundación Alberto Motta (FAM), Grupo Rey, Morgan & Morgan, and Procter & Gamble (P&G).
🌊 Oceans: CAO, Cochez, and Delta.
💧 Rivers: AES, Bahía Motors, Fundación Felipe Motta, Fundación F. Fidanque, Redeprosa, and UBS.
🐚 Coasts: Copa Airlines, Farmhouse, Steelforce, and Telered.