Ciencia

Places of scientific investigation in Panama
1-Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
STRI's main location in the Republic of Panama provides an ideal natural laboratory for research in both terrestrial and marine environments. About three million years ago, the emergence of the Isthmus separated the marine life of the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean and formed a land bridge that allowed thepreviously distinct floras and faunas of North and South America to mix. This unique history offers opportunities for the study of evolutionary and ecological processes unequaled anywhere else in the world.
Located at the geographical center of the American continent, Panama joins North and South America. It borders with the Caribbean Sea to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the south, Colombia to theeast and Costa Rica to the west.
Panama is the youngest area of land in the Americas, having emerged from the oceans approximately 3 to 10 million years ago. In biological terms, the fact that Panama linked the landmasses of the two Americas helps explain its incredible biodiversity. Despite its small size (75,900 sq. km. to be exact) Panama is home to more than 10,000 varieties of plants and morethan 1,000 species of birds. Panama City is the only major Latin American city with a rainforest that is only minutes from downtown.
2-Barro Colorado
A visit to Barro Colorado offers the opportunity to discover the splendor of a humid tropical forest.
Barro Colorado, the largest forested island in the Panama Canal waterway, is part of the Barro Colorado Nature Monument (BCNM) and is the siteof an internationally recognized biological research station.
The wildlife there is extremely diverse. There are probably thousands of insect species and more than 120 species of mammals, nearly half of which are bats. If you are patient and observant, you will discover amazing things. You will learn about research in progress and about the rich natural history of Barro Colorado. We hope to piqueyour interest in tropical ecosystems, because you are key to the protection of this natural environment.

3-Galeta
The Galeta Marine Laboratory is located on the Caribbean coast of Panama in the Province of Colon. It was established in 1964. The main priority is research, but we also value communicating the results of this research to non-scientific audiences in order to increase awareness andunderstanding of the natural world.
Our Educational Program offers guided visits to students, tourists and the general public. In these visits, we explain the unique ecosystems and wildlife of Galeta and emphasize the importance of conserving the environment we share.
4-Culebra
Punta Culebra Nature Center (PCNC) is a non-profit initiative of STRI that relies on the support of the SmithsonianFoundation of Panama and international entities. It offers visitors an open-air museum focusing mainly on marine science and education, conservation and interpretation of marine coastal environments. More than 700,000 students and visitors have visited PCNC since it opened in 1996, and hundreds of schools have taken part in its educational program.
The Center is a place where individuals canincrease their awareness and appreciation of coastal and marine environments in Panama and nearby regions of South and Central America. Its goal is to increase public understanding of Panama ’s past and present coastal environments, promoting their conservation. It is also meant to show how scientific discoveries improve our understanding and deepen our appreciation of the natural world.
PCNC occupiesa territory of approximately 1 1/2 hectares and is only 15 minutes away from the heart of Panama City. The area has great natural wealth and the appropriate infrastructure so that locals and foreigners of all ages can take part in an enriching experience, as they enjoy the scenic views.
5-Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro province is a magnificent natural region with humid tropical forest, swamp...