The Project
Panamá de Cerca: Up Close at the Continental Crossroads is a production of the School of Journalism at Northeastern University. Twelve students under the direction of Professor Carlene Hempel reported these stories in the spring of 2020 from Boston and Panama. Their work and the range of topics covered here showcase the people and places of this beautiful transcontinental country, and some of the challenges it faces ahead.
Panama in focus: Coffee, culture and conservation at the continental crossroads
Explore here, in our video magazine, the culture of Panama’s world-renowned coffee, the art of those who make the traditional Panamanian sombrero pintao and the efforts of some to repopulate depleted rain forests in the Mamonî Valley.
Farmers learn not to slash and burn as organic growing takes root
The majority in Panama farmers find it easiest to deforest their land – logging and then charring and burning any plant species that occupies valuable space. But in recent years, conservationists are teaching them to take a path toward sustainable farming to protect vulnerable rainforests and thousands of plants and animal species.
Deforestation aggravates two Latin American bug-borne diseases
As the globe continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, scientists in Panama hope to create a model that could help world leaders prevent similar animal-to-human illnesses. To do so, however, will mean a commitment to temper deforestation.
To stay or flee? As sea levels rise, island residents face a devastating choice
With rising sea levels and storms battering the islands off Panama’s Caribbean coast, residents are deciding whether to stay in their vulnerable homes or leave for the mainland, where their culture and way of life is at risk.
US parents of children with autism rely on stem cell ‘tourism’
Although stem cells are heralded as allowing for lifesaving medical interventions, political regulations have slowed research and approval progress in the U.S. As a result, some parents of autistic children are traveling to Panama for unapproved stem cell therapies.
Atlantic to Pacific: A sport as Panamanian as the canal
The sport of cayuco, unique to Panama, arose from the use of traditional boats built by indigenous people. With four people rowing, athletes race from the Atlantic to the Pacific – a source of great national pride for all involved.
Two countries, two schools, connecting students with a love of the sea
For more than 20 years, the Massachusetts Maritime Academy on Cape Cod and the International Maritime University of Panama in Panama City have partnered to send students to each other’s ports. This video report shares that story.
Meet the predator trackers of Panama
The largest wild cats in the Americas, jaguars can move 40 square miles a day. But as farms continue to replace much of their habitat, these felines are coming into contact with livestock, forcing ranchers to take lethal measures against them.
As youth move to cities, indigenous Panamanians battle to save their culture
The Guna are one of seven indigenous Panamanian groups battling to save their culture from disappearing. Younger generations are rejecting the native traditions from their language to basket weaving in favor of city life, modern gadgets and higher education.
Artist Eduardo Navarro uses what he can, including toilet paper, as his canvas
Eduardo Navarro has never defined himself as a typical artist. The Panamanian painter and sculptor is now proving that, but donating most of his proceeds to help people suffering from COVID-19.
Beloved boxing gym trains champions, saves youth
In a section of Panama City forgotten by recent efforts at renewal sits Gimnasio Rockero Alcazar, a boxing gym that, despite its aging equipment, remains a home to champions. And a home for youth who need a place to find refuge from the streets.
Women’s soccer team dreams of World Cup berth but lacks resources
The Panamanian Football Federation has been investing in coaches and young female players to increase the country’s pool of future stars. It’s working: The women skyrocketed 87 places to No. 53 in the world rankings. But there is still a lack of resources to train athletes when they are very young.
The different shades of green ecotourism in Panama
In Panama, ecotourism has emerged as a global highlight because of the country’s rich marine life and jungles. But not everyone honors the philosophy behind it, which is to benefit the ecosystem and the people who live within it.
Behind the lens: Panama, a study in contrasts of old and new
From the modern engineering brilliance of the Panama Canal, to the centuries-old traditions of the country’s indigenous peoples, Panama offers a vast and colorful spectrum of sights to behold. The following photo essay shows us some of those.
Extreme sports stage a dramatic comeback in Panama
Urban and extreme sports like BMX, skateboarding and extreme rollerblading, have a cult following and a strong culture in Panama, despite the lack of government support or professional success. There are signals, though, that attitudes could be shifting.
Plagued by drought, the Panama Canal searches for new sources of water
The Panama Canal is an engineering triumph, creating a vital thruway between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. But an intensifying dry season has left decision-makers frantically looking for new sources of water to avoid economic collapse.