Mangrove Restoration & Green Jobs: Panama is leading mangrove restoration through a “green economy” approach that pairs coastal ecosystem recovery with sustainable livelihoods, including native bee breeding and mollusk farming, with Spain’s AECID and partners from Panama and Peru supporting the work. El Niño & Canal Water Stress: The Panama Canal is preparing for a potentially severe El Niño, with rising odds prompting preventive steps like draft limits and reduced booking slots; the authority also reported stronger recent transits and tonnage while warning capacity could tighten. Screwworm Control in Panama: U.S.-funded researchers in Panama are preparing the first open-air tests of genetically engineered screwworm flies (NovoFly) in netted cages to help stop the flesh-eating parasite’s spread into Central America and the U.S. Biosecurity Spillover Risk: Curaçao has banned all living banana plant imports from Venezuela to prevent Tropical Race 4 (Panama disease) from entering the island—an example of how plant health threats can quickly reshape regional trade. Maritime Partnership: India and Panama agreed to deepen maritime cooperation on logistics, shipping, maritime security, skills, and digital transformation, positioning Panama as a key gateway for resilient supply chains. Canal Surcharges: Ocean carriers including MSC and CMA CGM introduced higher Panama Canal surcharges tied to water-level constraints and draft restrictions.