Advances and challenges for ocean governance in the republic of Panama

Ocean governance is an underrepresented integrated policy approach and strategy, with few examples, and insufficient data and analysis in Panama. It refers to the process that combines government structures, processes, norms and other aspects of public policy that shape the way in which different stakeholders make decisions and pursue accountability in the application of management tools in natural spaces, with the purpose that ecosystems and the services they provide to society are restored and preserved in quality and quantity for all stakeholders. This review was carried out by analyzing documents from national and international sources, following key aspects of the Decalogue and describing the current state of Panama regarding marine governance issues. The review unquestionably evidenced showed that there is a lack of adequate mechanisms for marine governance; however, the international normative framework and its advances at the national level are recognized. This work prioritizes interdisciplinary research as a central axis for the planning, implementation and evaluation of management plans, suggested to follow and prioritize the National Ocean Policy. Furthermore, considering that the ocean is multidimensional and globally connected, demographic and functional connectivity should be considered a crucial element for integrating science into the decision-making process.