The deforestation of the Darien jungle is accelerating with some eight hectares a day equivalent to more than eleven football fields disappearing in recent years,  said Minister of Environment, Miliciades Concepción during his appearance before the National Assembly on Wednesday, September 19.

 The crisis that threatens the rainforest has seen 21,784 hectares destroyed between 2012 and 2018 he told the Legislative Commission investigating illegal logging in the eastern province.

The Ministry declared on September 6 a moratorium that suspends all permits and concessions within the natural forests of the country, based on technical studies that evidence the significant reduction of forested areas, mainly Darién, Panama East and Bocas del Toro.