Tourism and coastal vulnerability: A geographical perspective from Punta Chame

Authors

Miguel Ángel Méndez Castillo
Universidad de Panamá, Panamá
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5530-6805
Virginia Lorena Estrada Ortíz
Universidad de Panamá, Panamá
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7627-3553

Keywords:

coastal erosion, deforestation, climate change

Synopsis

The study, which examines the impact of sea level rise on tourism activities
in the Punta Chame district, describes fundamental aspects of a problem
that arises from anthropogenic activities that have affected this coastline, and
sea level rise, as well as sand extraction from the ocean floor and
mangrove deforestation. In recent years, the major problem
affecting this area has been the impact of ocean flooding and coastal erosion, which
have caused damage to natural attractions such as beaches and mangroves, as well as
some deterioration in tourism infrastructure, for example, the road network, drinking water supply,
and electrical grid, which are being affected. In addition, tourist facilities
such as hotels, hostels, and restaurants, among others, are being adversely affected.
As a methodology, risk analysis tools,
samples, interviews, and spatial analyses were used to more accurately determine the
rise in sea level and the risks that have been incurred for the area.

Conclusively, environmental mitigation measures to slow the advance of the sea were obtained. I propose the review and elimination of deep-sea sand extraction concessions in the waters adjacent to the study area. Likewise, the reforestation of large areas of mangroves and the construction of new specialized structures to contain the onslaught of the sea by the competent institutions.

Conclusively, environmental mitigation measures were obtained to slow the advance of the sea. I propose the review and elimination of deep-sea sand extraction concessions in the waters adjacent to the study area. Likewise, the reforestation of large areas of mangroves and the construction of new specialized structures to contain the onslaught of the sea by the competent institutions in this case.

 

Author Biographies

Miguel Ángel Méndez Castillo, Universidad de Panamá, Panamá

I was born on December 9, 1984, in the city of La Chorrera, West Panama, Republic of Panama. I am passionate about geography and the physical phenomena of the earth, and a firm believer in environmental sustainability. I am proud to be Panamanian and love numismatics, philately, and petrology.

Virginia Lorena Estrada Ortíz, Universidad de Panamá, Panamá

Born on March 16, 1971, in the city of La Chorrera, Panama. Bachelor's degree in Geography and History. I worked for 13 years at the Ministry of Education as a secondary school teacher in my field of expertise. In 2008, I began working at the University of Panama (Regional University Center of West Panama) as a part-time teacher, and since 2013 as a full-time teacher. In 2015, I began as a full-time tenured professor through a competitive selection process in Tourism Geography.

References

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TVN. (2023, 28 de mayo). Dos días de fuertes oleajes en playa Farallón. TVN. https://www.tvn-2.com/nacionales/dias-fuertes-oleajes-playa-farallon_1_2055456.html

Guevara, J., Douglas, A., García, K., & Barría, Y. (2022, 8 de mayo). Determinación de riesgos de desastres e incidencia del cambio climático en la comunidad de Punta Chame, Panamá. Revista de Iniciación Científica, 8(3). http://portal.amelica.org/ameli/journal/338/3383367003/html/

Núñez, C. (2022, abril). ¿Qué es el aumento del nivel del mar? National Geographic Medio Ambiente. https://www.nationalgeographic.es/medio-ambiente/que-es-el-aumento-del-nivel-del-mar

Rivera, J. (2021). Folleto de Geografía Física. Universidad de Panamá.

Tourism and coastal vulnerability: A geographical perspective from Punta Chame

Published

September 17, 2025

Details about this monograph

ISBN-13 (15)

978-9962-23-008-3