At Marea Verde Panamá, we believe the health of our rivers defines the health of our seas.

That is why we lead Siete Cuencas, a project that works to stop plastic pollution at its source by intervening in the main urban rivers that flow into the Bay of Panama.

This initiative grew out of our work on the Juan Díaz river, where since 2022 we have intercepted more than 680,000 kilograms of floating waste, keeping it from reaching the sea through the combined work of our Wanda Díaz water wheel and the BoB floating barrier.

A partnership that multiplies our impact

Siete Cuencas is a partnership between Marea Verde Panamá and the international organization The Ocean Cleanup, recognized for its global work removing plastic 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, a designated Ramsar site for its biodiversity and ecological importance.

The project spans seven rivers: Juan Díaz, Matías Hernández, Río Abajo, Matasnillo, Curundú, Tocumen-Tapia, and Río Cabra, all connected by a single purpose: to stop waste before it reaches the sea.

In June 2025, we installed the project’s second barrier on Río Abajo, which flows out in front of Panamá Viejo. Since it began operating, this barrier has intercepted more than 85,000 kilograms of floating waste, keeping it from reaching the bay.

In May 2026, we installed the project’s third system on the Matías Hernández river, which flows out at Costa del Este, a key area for the conservation of mangroves and coastal habitats. Since its installation, it has intercepted more than 17,000 kilograms of floating waste. (july 2026)

These actions are only the beginning. With all seven basins intervened, we aim to keep more than 800,000 kilograms of waste from reaching the sea each year.

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

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

The project is built on three main pillars:

Education
We drive behavior change through hands-on learning in schools, communities, and public spaces.

Advocacy
We work with communities, partners, and institutions to reduce waste at its source and promote sustainable solutions.

Innovation
We implement technology and operational models in rivers to prevent waste from reaching mangroves and the ocean.

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: Fundación Banco General, Bladex, Fundación Alberto Motta, Grupo Rey, Morgan & Morgan, and Procter & Gamble.
🌊 Oceans: CAO, Cochez, Delta and PSA Panamá.
💧 Rivers: AES, Bahía Motors, Fundación Felipe Motta, Fundación F. Fidanque, Redeprosa, UBS, Fundación Trenco and P.H. Dreamplaza.
🐚 Coasts: Copa Airlines, Farmhouse, Steelforce, Telered, Drija and Fundación Faro.

Our Purpose

We dream of a clean, vibrant, and resilient Bay of Panama.
Every river counts. Every action matters.