2009年-世界发展银行全球_Panama_-_Country_Note_on_Climate_Change_Aspects_in_Agriculture_11页_2mb

Summary of Panama's Climate Change and Agriculture Context

Core Content

Panama, like most Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries, has submitted one national communication to the UNFCCC and is preparing a second. The country's agricultural sector contributes to both the economy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, though its overall contribution to total GHG emissions is minimal (0.6% in 1994). Land use change and forestry (LUCF) are the largest contributors to emissions, accounting for 58.61% of CO₂ emissions in 1994. Agriculture is highly vulnerable to climate variability and extreme weather events, which have had significant impacts, including damage from floods.

Main Points

Contribution of Agriculture to the Economy and Emissions

• Agriculture contributes to the economy but is not a major emitter of GHG.
• LUCF is the largest contributor to emissions, with a significant portion coming from deforestation and land degradation.
• The country has a high rate of deforestation (1.6% annually between 1990-2000), mainly driven by agricultural expansion and livestock grazing.
• Over 40% of the national territory has been deforested for unsustainable activities, leading to land degradation.

Vulnerability and Climate Impacts

• Agriculture is highly vulnerable to climate change, especially due to climate variability and extreme weather events.
• Vulnerability indicators include employment in agriculture, rainfed cropland, Gini coefficient, water usage, and soil degradation.
• Corn yields are projected to increase by 8.7% by 2010 but decrease by 33% by 2050 and 21% by 2100.
• Freshwater use in agriculture is relatively low (28%), compared to the regional average of 71%.

Policy Context

• Panama has submitted one national communication to the UNFCCC and is preparing a second.
• The National Climate Change Program (under ANAM) conducts vulnerability studies and develops mitigation scenarios.
• A National Climate Change Strategy is being developed, which will include a program for updating national communications, a mitigation strategy, and an adaptation strategy.
• Regional initiatives such as the Central American Commission on Environment and Development (CCAD) and the Regional Technical Assistance Unit (RUTA) focus on sustainable development and climate change mitigation.

Institutional Context

• The National Authority on Environment (ANAM) oversees Panama's climate change commitments and acts as the Designated National Authority (DNA).
• The National Climate Change Committee (CONACCP) facilitates inter-sectoral dialogue on climate change.
• The Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) is responsible for the productivity and sustainability of the agricultural sector.
• The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) manages a network of weather stations for flood control.

Mitigation Measures

• Agriculture is responsible for 40% of methane emissions and 94% of nitrous oxide emissions.
• Livestock is the main source of methane emissions (90% of total agricultural methane emissions), with 96% from enteric fermentation and 4% from manure handling.
• Panama has initiated Readiness Preparation for REDD and is working on developing a national REDD strategy.
• There are no registered CDM projects in the agricultural sector, indicating a gap in mitigation efforts.
• The BioCarbon Fund is being explored as a mechanism to support carbon sequestration in agricultural soils.

Adaptation Measures

• Land management strategies include the introduction of new crop varieties, improvement of irrigation efficiency, and agro-ecological zoning.
• Water use adaptation includes strengthening the water and weather station network, developing new irrigation technologies, and promoting conservation of water resources.
• The Rehabilitation of the Irrigation System in Remigio Rojas Project aims to irrigate 3200 hectares of cropland.

Social Aspects and Insurance

• Rural populations are highly dependent on agriculture and are more vulnerable to climate impacts.
• Poverty is concentrated in rural areas, with high inequality rates (Gini coefficient of 56.1).
• Agricultural insurance was introduced in 1978 and expanded in 1996 to include livestock and forestry.
• Three insurance companies (two private and one public) offer coverage for 12,000 hectares of cropland, with four risks covered (hail, fire, theft, plant life) and eight crops insured.
• The Institute for Agricultural Insurance (ISA) is the main public agricultural insurance provider, though the market is declining and the private sector is gaining some traction.

Key Information

• Agriculture and GHG Emissions: Agriculture contributes minimally to total GHG emissions but has a significant role in LUCF emissions.
• Policy Development: Panama is working on a National Climate Change Strategy and has regional initiatives like CCAD and RUTA to support climate action.
• Institutional Framework: ANAM, CONACCP, and MIDA are key institutions in climate change and agriculture policy.
• Mitigation Efforts: REDD readiness, reforestation laws, and the BioCarbon Fund are initiatives aimed at reducing emissions.
• Adaptation Strategies: New crop varieties, improved irrigation, and water conservation are being promoted.
• Social Vulnerability: Rural and indigenous communities are most affected by climate change and poverty.
• Insurance Mechanisms: ISA and other companies provide limited coverage for agricultural risks, with room for improvement.

Conclusion

Panama's agricultural sector is both vulnerable to climate change and a contributor to GHG emissions, primarily through LUCF. While the country has made strides in policy development and institutional coordination, there is a need for more focused mitigation efforts in agriculture and enhanced adaptation strategies to address the growing climate risks. Strengthening the agricultural insurance market and promoting sustainable land use practices are essential for building resilience in the sector.