Panama: Bridge of Life - Museum of Biodiversity
06/20/2007 - Panama
By www.biomuseopanama.org
The Bridge of Life project will be the hub
of an interchange of nature,
culture, the economy, and life—a center for learning,
discovery, national pride, and a new appreciation of Panama's natural
wealth.
What is biodiversity?
All living beings on earth are part of a great interdependent system.
Non-living things such as water, rocks, and soil, also form a part of
this system that makes all life possible. The great diversity of
components that make up this system – also known as
biodiversity – and the relationships that exist among all of
them, is what makes life on Earth possible.
Because
of its unique geographic
characteristics, Panama is an ideal place to see biodiversity at work.
A Definition of Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the variety of living beings of any source, including
those in the terrestrial and maritime ecosystems and other aquatic
ecosystems, and the ecological systems to which they belong. It also
covers the diversity that exists within each specie, among different
species, and among different ecosystems.
In other words, biodiversity is the variety of life in all its shapes,
levels, and combinations.
The
creation of the Bridge of Life
building—which is being designed by world-renowned architect
Frank Gehry—will have enormous educational benefits and will
give Panama a powerful touristic attraction.
The museum will be nestled between the city, the ocean, and the rain
forest. The museum building is being designed by one of the most famous
architects in the world.
Inside Panama:
Get Acquainted with the Provinces of Panama, and Find Out What Sets
Them Apart
07/08/2006 - Archives
Bocas
Del Toro
Bocas del Toro is a province filled with beautiful beaches where you
can swim, sunbathe, and just relax. It is an archipelago of astonishing
islands where you can do anything from snorkeling, to catching lobsters
or clam-digging. Bocas del Toro also offers great entertainment and
restaurants. You can find a diverse array of seafood like conch,
shrimp, fish, octopus, and more. This province also contains perfect
surfing nooks like Bluff Beach and Paunch Beach.
Chiriqui
Chiriqui is a charming region in the southwest section of Panama. The
Pacific Ocean borders Chiriqui on the south. Two of the most popular
towns in this region are Boquete and David. Boquete has been voted one
of the top places to retire by several sources including FORTUNE
magazine and Modern Maturity. It is a beautiful region, with rolling
hills, dressed in lush greenery, and valleys filled with flowers. The
Chiriqui Province is a wonderful place to go horseback riding, golfing,
hiking, and even white-water rafting. David, is the third largest city
in Panama. Here you can find an abundance of natural beauty. Explore
coral reefs, nature trails, beaches and natural reserves.
Veraguas
Veraguas is a special province in Panama because it is bordered by the
Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Veraguas has great beaches, where you can
sit back and relax, and sometimes even catch surfers riding the waves.
One of the activities Veraguas is most famous for is its deep-sea
fishing. One of the biggest marine parks in the world is also located
in this region, in Coiba National Park.
Colon
Colon is probably most famous for its location on the Panama Canal, and
its free-trade zone, where most of the importing and exporting occurs.
The Colon Free Trade Zone is the second largest free trade zone in the
world. Apart from its economic significance, Colon has a lot more to
offer, such as charming waterfront villages, impressive ruins, and
other historic sites. There is also a variety of popular water sport
adventures you can partake in, such as rafting, fishing, and waterfront
camping.
Herrera
The Province of Herrera is named after the General, Tomas Herrera. It
is a region that is known for its cultural richness and preservation of
traditions. Its museums boast Panama's independence, customs, folklore,
and accomplishments. Such themes can be found in The Herrera Museum and
The Manuel F. Zarate Museum. This province is covered with a beautiful
landscape. It showcases Panama's diversity through its national parks
and wildlife reserves. In the town of La Arena you can find beautiful
ceramics.
Los Santos
Los Santos boasts many popular festivals every year, including the
Festival de la Mejorana which celebrates Panamanian folklore, and the
Festival de la Pollera, where people show of their most beautiful
traditional clothing. Los Santos is also famous for its gorgeous
beaches and great weather. Once a year, you can even watch turtles
nesting on the shores of Isla Canas. For food lovers, Los Santos offers
tasty and hearty dishes, and a wide variety of seafood. The capital of
this province is Las Tablas. where many carnivals take place, including
the February festival which draws large crowds to the region for a
celebration through drinking.
Cocle
Located in the central region of Panama, Cocle boasts unrivaled natural
beauty. A portion of the highlands in this region are only accessible
by foot, but are well worth the walk. Depending on where you are
standing, the province offers a selection of climates. For example, you
can find nice, cool breezes in El Valle de Anton as opposed to the
warmth of Santa Clara's sandy beaches. In El Valle de Anton, located
within the crater of a volcano, you can find anything from beautiful
native plants and flowers, to hand-woven crafts. This region also
conserves cherished colonial edifices such as the Church of Nata.
Darien
Darien is home to many exotic animals such as jaguars, ocelots, howler
monkeys, and even the Harpy Eagle, which is the most powerful bird of
prey worldwide. This province is a jackpot of natural adventures. It is
lined with beaches, tropical jungles, rivers, and mountains. Darien is
one of the world's hidden treasures, since it contains many of the
earth's endangered species. One of the province's greatest attraction
is the Darien National Park, which is an ideal place for bird-watching
and enjoying exotic species of flora. In Darien, you can find beaches,
forests, mangroves and beautiful waterfalls.