In 2000, Panama had almost 45 per cent forest cover,
down from about 70 per cent in 1947, making a national REDD+
Programme imperative for the future of its forests. At present, some
of the main drivers of deforestation and degradation are logging
operations, infrastructure development and cattle ranching. The
overall objective of the UN-REDD National Programme in Panama
is to assist the government of Panama in developing an effective
REDD+ regime. In October 2009, US$5.3 million was approved
by the UN-REDD Programme Policy Board for Panama’s National
Programme.