Panama Canal Receives ISO 14001

More than 100 people at the Miraflores Locks as Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance awarded upon the Department of Security and Environment's Environmental Division of the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) the coveted ISO 14001 certification. Juan Héctor Diaz, director of the Department of Security and Environment, accepted the certification at a ceremony at the Miraflores Locks Visitor's Center. Participants included the Academy for Environmental Education Development (AED), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), Panama Ministry of Health (MINSA), Panama National Environment Authority (ANAM) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Coinciding with the United Nation's World Environment Day, yesterday's announcement reinforced the ACP's pledge to incorporate and implement environmental policies in its daily business operations and long-term sustainable development goals, particularly with regard to the management of the Panama Canal watershed. "We at the ACP are fully dedicated to our role as trusted caretakers of the Canal watershed, including its habitats and biodiversity. In our management of the Canal, we adhere to the highest international standards and procedures and actively seek solutions to environmental challenges," said Director Diaz. "ISO 14001 certification validates our commitment to implementing sustainable development policies for long-term viability - policies that are in the best interests of the people of Panama, Canal customers and environmental conservation."