Inaugurated on August 14, 1914, the Panama Canal celebrated 101 years of operation this fiscal year. After a lifetime of profitable operations, in sound coexistence with the environment and, being the axis of prosperity for Panamanian society, the different generations of Canal collaborators have left in the company a legacy of commitment to the axes that frame sustainable development.
Environmental well-being, which provides water for canal operations; the well-being of the communities, who take care of and protect the water sources; the human resources of the canal, with unique capabilities essential for the operation of the road, are all key to the sustainability of the company. This report reports on the progress made through programs aimed at strengthening the pillars that sustain the sustainable development of the Panama Canal and its efforts in terms of social responsibility focused on its stakeholders.
The Panama Canal is aware that water resources are essential for the continuous and efficient operation of its operations. That is why the well-being of the Canal watershed is of vital importance for the sustainability of the company. The water with which the Canal operates comes from a balanced ecosystem that enjoys good health thanks to the efforts directed towards its administration, maintenance, use and conservation. The hydrographic basin is not only of vital importance for the Canal’s operations, it is also the main source of fresh water for two-thirds of the country’s population. A healthy basin is the reflection of a community that watches over the environmental well-being of its surroundings. Thinking about this, the Panama Canal directs efforts aimed at the education and development of the communities of the Canal Watershed, so that they evolve in a sustainable way, having an impact on innumerable benefits that exceed their geographical limits.
In turn, the canal human resource is the force that gives life to the Panama Canal. Its more than 10,500 employees make up a vital force of efficiency and commitment to the progress of the country. Each of the Canal’s collaborators plays an essential role in the industrious task of achieving the goals of sustainable development that are of paramount importance for future Panamanian generations. The Panama Canal invests in the well-being of its human resources, the occupational health and safety of its employees always being a priority. It ensures that they provide development opportunities, increasing training opportunities and growth opportunities, ensuring productivity and equity, maintaining good labor relations and improving their quality of life. The management of social responsibility of the Panama Canal focuses on its 5 interest groups: clients, collaborators, community, state, and suppliers. Aligned with the vision of being part of a transcendental purpose, the collaborators of the Panama Canal join forces with the company, giving life to Corporate Volunteering. More than 1,500 collaborators make up the volunteer network, which works actively throughout the year advancing efforts in matters of social responsibility for the benefit of the interest groups of the Panama Canal. The effectiveness that the Canal achieves by developing in a sustainable manner will redound to innumerable benefits for human resources, neighboring communities, the country, and the planet. Obtaining the greatest benefit from the geographical position of the Panamanian isthmus is the ACP’s greatest mandate; doing so in a sustainable way will undoubtedly be its greatest legacy.
