ABSTRACT
The concept of the Canal Area varies somewhat according to usage, but it usually refers to one or more of three overlapping regions — the Canal Zone, the Canal Basin and the Metropolitan Region. The Canal Basin is a hydrographic region defined by the watershed that feeds the Panama Canal. Finally, there is the Metropolitan Region or Corridor. The quantity and quality of fresh water in the Canal Area is also critical to the quality of life in numerous other ways. The obvious consequence of deforestation is soil erosion and the consequent siltation of the waterways. The co-ordinating agency will clearly need resources and the skills to be able to promote sectoral planning in government and to bring about effective co-ordination among the agencies concerned. It is recommended that an overall development strategy for the Canal Area should be established and should reflect the same kind of preoccupation with the process of implementation as just discussed.
