Panama gets shape up deadline from UNESCO

Panama has nine months to demonstrate that it is working to protect its "world heritage" historic sites.

The message comes from a visiting UNESCO mission at a time when local preservationists have been expressing concerns about developments in Casco Viejo.

The team leader Nuria Sanz delivered a report to Panama’s Institute of Culture stating:
"Panama has deficiencies in its management of its historic sites." The reference was  to two areas Portobelo-San Lorenzo and Casco Viejo, both of which are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage sites .
Independent experts, believe that the country is in danger of losing the designation Sanz met with President Ricardo Martinelli to discuss the situation and to urge him to form a national committee focused on protecting the sites.
The visit by the UNESCO mission coincided with government discussions on the expansion of the Cinta Costera, a project that could impact Casco Antiguo, with the possibility of an expressway encircling the historic area.{jathumbnail off}