The Cajones del Chame, located in Panama Oeste province, are a unique natural phenomenon and a prime example of the millennia-old interaction between water and rock. These natural pools, carved into the limestone bedrock by the erosive forces of the Chame River, showcase a continuous geological process where water, laden with sediments, acts as an abrasive tool to sculpt the landscape over thousands of years.

From an ecological perspective, the Cajones del Chame host a unique microbiodiversity. The surrounding ecosystem includes riparian plant species adapted to constant humidity and seasonal water flows. These plants play a critical role in soil stabilization and water cycle regulation, while small communities of aquatic macroinvertebrates serve as bioindicators of water quality.

Beyond their aesthetic and recreational value, the Cajones del Chame possess significant scientific and educational relevance. They provide an ideal setting for environmental interpretation, offering tangible lessons on fluvial geology, the importance of freshwater bodies, and the conservation of riparian habitats.

In a global context of water scarcity and aquatic ecosystem loss, sites like the Cajones del Chame are a stark reminder of the delicate balance between natural processes and human intervention. Their preservation is essential to ensure the continuity of ecological processes and their role as natural regulators of local climate and freshwater resources.

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

The Cajones del Chame span a small area of approximately 4 hectares, consisting of rock formations, riverbeds, natural pools, and narrow canyons surrounded by riparian forests adapted to semi-arid conditions. This area is located within the Arco Seco of Panama, a region that hosts an astonishing biodiversity uniquely adapted to the conditions of the tropical dry riparian forest. This ecosystem serves as an ecological refuge where animal and plant species of high scientific and conservation relevance converge.

Biological Richness and Connectivity

From a biodiversity standpoint, Panama is a megadiverse country and, together with the rest of Central America, constitutes a critical terrestrial, marine, and aerial migratory route essential for global ecological balances. These migratory corridors, known as Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridors in the ocean and the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor on land, facilitate the movement of thousands of species.

These corridors ensure that thousands of species complete their life cycles, such as sea turtles (Caretta caretta, Chelonia mydas, Eretmochelys imbricata), which migrate from Pacific nesting beaches to feeding grounds in open waters, hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) and giant manta rays (Mobula birostris), which travel vast oceanic areas, and iconic terrestrial species like the jaguar (Panthera onca) and the Central American tapir (Tapirus bairdii), whose survival depends on the connectivity of fragmented forests.

Other frequent users of these corridors include migratory birds such as the Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus), the Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera), Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni), the Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus), and the Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), which undertakes short, seasonal migrations along the Central and South American coastlines following the availability of fish.

Additionally, dragonflies of the Pantala genus (known as wind travelers) perform transcontinental migrations, using wetlands and water bodies as rest and breeding points.

These species highlight the importance of continuing to create biological corridors and migratory routes (terrestrial and marine), as well as establishing ecological patches to ensure connectivity.

Protection Frameworks and Pressures

Several protection frameworks, such as RAMSAR sites (wetlands of international importance), UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, and Marine Protected Areas like those of the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor (CMAR), contribute to establishing safe havens for migratory species.

However, these measures are insufficient. Each year, natural spaces shrink due to agricultural expansion, deforestation, and industrial exploitation, leading to an alarming increase in species at risk.

The result is the accelerated fragmentation of biological and marine corridors, jeopardizing essential migratory processes and ecosystem functionality, both regionally and globally. Active conservation and restoration of these corridors are imperative to ensure the ecosystem services that sustain human life and preserve the balance of global biodiversity.

Panama's Forests

Panama hosts an exceptional variety of forests due to its geographic location and diverse climate. The main types are:

Tropical Rainforest: Occupies much of the territory, receiving over 2,000 mm of annual rainfall. A global biodiversity hotspot, home to species like the jaguar (Panthera onca), golden frog (Atelopus zeteki), and cuipo tree (Cavanillesia platanifolia).

Tropical Dry Forest: Limited to the Pacific slope and the Arco Seco, with 1,000–1,800 mm of annual rainfall and a pronounced dry season. It is one of the most threatened ecosystems, with less than 5% of its original coverage intact due to deforestation for agriculture and cattle ranching.

Gallery and Riparian Forests: Associated with rivers and water bodies, these ecosystems connect fragmented habitats.

Montane and Cloud Forests: Located in elevated regions, these areas are refuges for endemic species.

Mangroves and Coastal Forests: Protect coastlines and are essential for marine-coastal ecosystems.

Ecosystem Services and Contributions to People (NCP)

The Cajones del Chame offer essential ecosystem services and Nature's Contributions to People (NCP), including:

Regulation and Support: Water purification through sediment and nutrient filtration, regulation of nitrogen and phosphorus cycles, and erosion control through riparian vegetation.

Provision: Clean freshwater and rich biodiversity habitats, as well as resources like river fish (guabina) and sustainable timber species.

Intangible Contributions: Cultural and spiritual value as a place for reflection and connection with nature, environmental education as a living classroom for ecological cycles, and sustainable tourism and recreation, promoting local economic opportunities.

Planetary Boundaries: Risks and Regeneration

The Cajones del Chame illustrate the intersection between local ecosystems and Planetary Boundaries:

Land-use change: Deforestation threatens riparian ecosystem stability.

Nitrogen and phosphorus cycles: Agricultural runoff risks disrupting nutrient cycles.

Freshwater resources: The ecosystem regulates the water cycle but faces unsustainable pressures.

Biodiversity loss: The presence of endangered species highlights the ecosystem's fragility.

Despite these risks, the area possesses high regenerative capacity if supported by conservation policies and sustainable development strategies.