Sustainable management and protection of the Panama Canal watershed within a framework of reliable commercial and criminal justice systems : USAID assistance to Panama : strategic plan FY 2000-FY 2006

The goal of the program is to ensure the sustainable and productive use of the Panama Canal Watershed (PCW) within the framework of two strategic objectives (SOs). SO 1 is that Panama sustainably maintain the PCW and buffer areas. This objective focuses on establishing and maintaining protection and management systems for the PCW to ensure that its land, water, and natural resources are used in a sustainable manner. The objective encourages participation of national and local governments, NGOs, and citizens in the effective administration of the PCW. SO 2 is the facilitation of fair, fast, and independent criminal and commercial justice systems. This objective is designed to help consolidate ongoing government reforms in these areas, which are of critical importance to all other USAID and broader U.S. Government objectives within Panama. Enforcing the environmental regulations that are the basis of the sustainable management of the PCW ultimately depends on a justice system capable of enforcing regulations. The continuing operation of the Canal itself implicitly requires a justice system that assures the application of commercial law and procedures that meet international standards of speed, fairness, and transparency. Primary support for reform of the criminal justice system is currently provided by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), but key complementary support for strengthening justice sector institutions is needed to achieve reform objectives. Important areas that must be addressed are police training, the use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and the professionalism of the judiciary, in addition to the elevation of the role of civil society. (Author abstract, modified)