Fire-maintained native grassland near Vulcan Baru, La Amistad International Park, Costa Rica/Panama © Ron Myers

La Amistad Biosphere Reserve includes both La Amistad International Park and the adjacent Vulcan Baru National Park. Vulcan Baru National Park encompasses 2,470 acres (1,000 ha) and contains native fire-dependent grasslands. The rest of the park is fire-sensitive montane tropical forest. The issues are the same as in La Amistad International Park in Costa Rica; community-based outreach programs are a key strategy. Our primary partner is the Ministry of the Environment.

Chagres National Park encompasses 2,470 acres (785,800 ha) and protects part of the watershed for the Panama Canal. An aggressive non-native grass that was introduced by the United States to stabilize soils near the canal threatens the park. The grass burns intensively and its spread is favored by fire.

Read more about The Nature Conservancy's work in Panama.