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opinionAlso in this section: Crosses on the road by Raúl Leis R., translated by Joel Inwood If you think that ecology is an inoffensive fashion for far away jungles or rural hamlets, or that it’s only a bucolic allusion to extinct exotic species, it’s possible that the following represents the truth: the subject of the environment is linked to all human action, and is a fundamental component of any development project. Don’t be confused by those who would place economic progress in opposition to a decent environment for all. It’s a false dichotomy. Economic projects, whether urban, commercial or industrial, that don’t concern themselves with the environment actually run against the current of progress, because, like a loaded cannon, when it is not taken into account or attacked, the environment turns on us and fires. If you think not, remember what deforestation does to the water table, or the way air pollution damages our respiratory systems. If anything is undeniable, it’s that people are more environmentally conscious than ever before, and in that sense, it’s not true that in the past it was better. It’s only been a little while since the rejection of ex-president Moscoso’s attempts to impose an “ecological corridor” through the Volcano Baru National Park were an important factor in her political exhaustion. Although these comparisons are crude, they’re necessary. Now the problem is lot CL-35 in Clayton, corregimiento of Ancon, province and district of Panama. It’s becoming a test of the environmental consistency of President Torrijos’ plans --- public interest vs. special interest. In other words, it’s the continuity of urban forests (environment) and a part of the Camino de Cruces (cultural/historical) versus the construction of a luxury subdivision put there by the government's acts or omissions, and all this is immersed in a reverted area that’s not a gift, but a product of Panama’s historical struggle for sovereignty over its land. The scenario complicated when a personal friendship between the president and the businessman who would build the development appears. Civic groups and those affected say that the national government is violating Law 23 of July 3, 1997, which dictates norms for the Regional and General Plan for Use, Conservation, and Development of the Canal Area. They point out that Inter-oceanic Regional Authority (ARI) is responsible for the sale of many hectares of forests in Clayton and other reverted areas for the development of residential areas, and lot CL-35 that belongs to the Camino de Cruces National Park. They fault the National Environmental Authority (ANAM) for accepting environmental impact studies plagued with technical deficiencies instead of rejecting them. The destruction of forests that have been growing for more than 150 years would be ecocide. The Committee for the Integrity of Urban Forests and the Las Cruces Trail says that “for the good of the country and the sake of public transparency, we don’t accept that either enemies or friends of President Torrijos should take over or destroy the urban forests or the Las Cruces Trail. The solution doesn't look difficult if there's the political will. The government and the businessman would have to negotiate the relocation of the residential project to an area that doesn’t affect the forest or Las Cruces Trail --- these areas do exist, and are close by. The permanence of the urban forest’s integration into the Las Cruces National Park would improve environmental quality; it would give value to the area, and be an attraction for visitors and tourists. The struggle to save the forest and the Las Cruces Trail is already emblematic and every day becomes more of a symbol. If President Torrijos doesn’t intervene and permits the project, he will be turning the Las Cruces Trail into his own “ecological road.” Crosses alongside the highways and roads are mute reminders of the fallen, tje victims of transit accidents. They teach us to be cautious and respectful of our lives and those of others. What’s happening with respect to lot CL-35 is a clear message from citizens who are ever more conscious of their rights, and more disposed to defend the environment and their historical legacy.
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