Why in Panama?
The idea of establishing the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in Panama arose from the need to understand and preserve tropical ecosystems, which are some of the most diverse and complex in the world. Several reasons contributed to this decision:
Exceptional Biodiversity
Panama is known for its exceptional biodiversity. Located on the narrow isthmus that connects North and South America, Panama is home to an astonishing variety of flora and fauna. This level of biological diversity in a geographically concentrated area made Panama an ideal place to study tropical life at its finest.
Scientific Interest
Since the early 20th century, scientists and naturalists were fascinated by the tropics and wanted to better understand complex tropical ecosystems. Panama offered a unique natural environment to carry out research in areas such as ecology, botany, zoology and oceanography.
Geographic Position
Panama’s geographic location, with coastlines on two oceans and diverse topography that includes mountains, rainforests and mangroves, provides a variety of habitats that are of scientific interest. The possibility of studying these habitats in a single country made Panama a strategic place to establish a tropical research institute.
International Collaboration
International scientific cooperation was and continues to be a fundamental pillar in scientific research. Establishing an institute in Panama allowed collaboration between scientists from different countries and cultures, fostering an exchange of knowledge and research methods.
Conservation and Environmental Awareness
International scientific cooperation was and continues to be a fundamental pillar in scientific research. Establishing an institute in Panama allowed collaboration between scientists from different countries and cultures, fostering an exchange of knowledge and research methods.
Places of Interest in Panama
These are the STRI places you can visit. All the places are in charge of the institution but we can help you arrange mobilization and visit:
Punta Culebra Natural Center
The Punta Culebra Natural Center, located at the peaceful entrance to the Panama Canal, is focused on the exploration and discovery of the natural world through science. The center, which receives more than 80,000 visits a year, offers a combination of marine and amphibian exhibits, walking trails, hands-on scientific activities and recreational spaces, in a stunning setting just minutes from Panama City.
Barro Colorado Island
Barro Colorado Island was formed after the creation of Gatun Lake in 1913, during the construction of the Panama Canal. The island is home to one of the oldest tropical research stations in the world, where studies have been carried out for more than a century. Every year, around 500 scientists visit this living laboratory to study biology, ecology, evolution and animal behavior.
Bocas del Toro Research Station
Located on Isla Colón, the Bocas del Toro research station offers students and scientists access to an extraordinary diversity of marine and terrestrial life. The station is located among mangroves, near a coastal lagoon.
Punta Galeta Marine Laboratory
The Punta Galeta Marine Laboratory is STRI’s research and outreach center on the Caribbean coast, near the port city of Colón. Located within the Galeta Island Protected Landscape, the laboratory provides access to coral reefs, beaches, mangroves and tropical forests.
Contact Us
If you are interested in visiting these centers, please contact us and let us help you with transportation, lodging and logistics.