Interinstitutional Commission for the Prevention and Response to the Effects of El Niño in Panama

Cabinet Resolution of Panama establishing a High-Level Interinstitutional Commission to coordinate, prevent and respond to the potential adverse effects of El Niño. The Commission is responsible for coordinating public institutions, monitoring climate variables and alerts, tracking lakes, reservoirs and river basins, promoting contingency plans for droughts and forest fires, encouraging efficient water use and adopting measures to reduce agricultural and livestock losses. It also provides for groundwater well drilling to mitigate water scarcity in the agricultural sector, adjustment of planting cycles to climate forecasts, prioritization of drought-tolerant crops and producer training. The resolution authorizes the Ministry of Economy and Finance to make the necessary budget allocations and transfers while the adverse effects of El Niño persist.