A Comparative Analysis of Plastic Pollution Distribution in Costa del Este in Panama and Central American countries: Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua

Mangroves are essential for coastal communities' economies and ecological services, including shoreline protection, preventing erosion, and water filtration. However, pollution poses a significant threat. My study investigated the impacts of marine plastics, mangrove conservation practices, and waste management practices in Panama, Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Field data were gathered from the Costa del Este district in Panama, along with responses to a digital Survey Interview Questionnaire distributed to conservation organizations, non-governmental organizations, and researchers in English and Spanish. Key pollutants included plastic bottles and packaging, causing severe contamination in mangrove areas. Compounding threats included corruption and inadequate funding for conservation and waste management. Recommendations include enhancing inter-institutional communication, promoting educational programs, revising waste management plans, and initiating a national mangrove restoration program in Panama. Coordinated efforts are essential to reduce plastic pollution and enhance mangrove management, safeguarding crucial ecosystems in Central America and Panama.

Author dc:creator

• Bhatty, Aditi

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Hall, Anna

• School of environment and sustainability

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Identifier URI

https://doi.org/10.25316/ir-20302

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:null:10613/28730