Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection
Unesco World Heritage

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Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection

Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the provinces of Veraguas and Chiriquí in Panama. This protected area encompasses the Coiba Island and 38 smaller islands, covering a total area of 270,125 hectares. It was inscribed as a World Heritage site in 2005 due to its exceptional biodiversity and unique ecosystems.

History

The history of Coiba National Park dates back to the early 20th century when it served as a penal colony. From 1919 to 2004, the island was home to a notorious prison that housed political prisoners and criminals. The isolation of the island and its harsh conditions made it an ideal location for a high-security prison. However, this period of human occupation had unintended positive consequences for the natural environment. The limited human activity allowed the ecosystems to thrive undisturbed, resulting in the preservation of its exceptional biodiversity.

In 2004, the prison was closed, and the island was declared a national park. The Panamanian government recognized the ecological importance of Coiba and its surrounding marine areas, leading to the establishment of the Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection. This designation aimed to protect the unique flora and fauna found in the area and promote sustainable tourism.

Current State

Coiba National Park is a haven for biodiversity, both on land and in the surrounding marine environment. The park is home to numerous endemic species, including the Coiba Island howler monkey, Coiba spinetail, and Coiba agouti. It also serves as a critical habitat for marine species, such as humpback whales, whale sharks, and four species of sea turtles.

The marine protection zone surrounding Coiba Island is particularly significant. It covers an area of 2,700 square kilometers and includes extensive coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds. These habitats support a diverse array of marine life, including over 760 species of fish and 33 species of sharks. The protection zone also serves as a breeding ground for several endangered species, such as the scalloped hammerhead shark and the green turtle.

Efforts to conserve and manage Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection are ongoing. The Panamanian government, in collaboration with international organizations and local communities, has implemented various measures to ensure the long-term sustainability of the site. These include strict regulations on fishing, tourism, and waste management. Additionally, research and monitoring programs are in place to assess the health of the ecosystems and identify any potential threats.

Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection stand as a testament to the resilience of nature and the importance of conservation. Its unique history, exceptional biodiversity, and pristine ecosystems make it a truly remarkable World Heritage site. Through continued efforts, this protected area will continue to thrive and inspire future generations to appreciate and protect our natural heritage.

Hotels and places to stay

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Hotel El Sitio Playa Venao

Address
Distance: 2,9 mi
Playa Venao
Las Escobas del Venado
Panama

Time Information

Checkout: 13:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

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Villa Marina Lodge

Address
Distance: 3,4 mi
Playa Venao
0413 Las Escobas del Venado
Panama

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

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Selina Playa Venao

Address
Distance: 2,8 mi
Playa Venao 1
Las Escobas del Venado
Panama

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

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Beach Break Surf Camp

Address
Distance: 3,0 mi
Playa 1
0000 Las Escobas del Venado
Panama

Time Information

Checkout: 13:00 - Checkin: 14:30
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

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Videos from the area

Panama's Beautiful Azuero Peninsula

Published: June 26, 2012
Length: 26:06 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Future Expats Forum

On Panama's Azuero Peninsula you're never far from beaches and mountains. In Pedasi and south to Playa Venao, the beaches attract world-class surfers and the mountain scenery is stunning.

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