For Immediate Release
August 30, 2004

United States and Panama United to Reduce Debt, Conserve Rain Forests

The United States and Panama have signed a second round of agreements to reduce Panama's debt and to generate an additional $11 million to conserve the biologically rich forests of the Darien National Park. The park contains a unique and rich biological land bridge where North and South America meet. The park has a diverse range of flora and fauna and is an essential part of bird migration routes. These funds bring to $21 million the total made available to Panama under the Tropical Forest Conservation Act, which allows developing countries to reduce debts to the United States while generating funds to conserve their forests. Panama is one of seven countries to benefit from the act and the first country to benefit a second time.

Source: U.S. Department of State http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2004/35457.htm