Panama city: Panama’s Ministry of the Environment (Miambiente) has announced a ban on the entry and sale of single-use plastic and polystyrene items in protected areas, effective January 1. The government initiative’s primary purpose is the protection of natural ecosystems.

According to Lao News Agency, the measure aims to prevent polluting materials, which annually affect soils, rivers, coasts, and biodiversity, from infiltrating these ecologically valuable areas. Panama generates more than 380,000 tons of plastic waste each year, with 88 percent ending up visually polluting natural environments, including streets, avenues, and the protected areas themselves.

The regulation specifically details the items that will be restricted within protected areas, including disposable plastic bottles, cups, plates, and expanded polystyrene trays. It also includes non-biodegradable bags, absorbents, stirrers, and any other single-use plastic product that is not reusable, compostable, or biodegradable.

The Miambiente regulation is applicable to all individuals and groups entering protected areas, including visitors, tour operators and concessionaires, researchers and contractors, volunteers, and public officials. The initiative underscores Panama’s commitment to preserving its natural ecosystems and addressing the growing issue of plastic pollution.