Calicanto's mission is to protect the human and architectural heritage of a UNESCO World Heritage site, Casco Viejo. It is the oldest Spanish settlement on the Pacific and one of the world's most architecturally diverse places. The site is currently threatened by a 1970s-style coastal highway around the district, which would destroy its character and cause it to be de-listed by UNESCO. By donating, you will help raise awareness for the threats posed to this important cultural monument.
Our World Heritage Site is under threat from a highway that UNESCO has declared would irreversibly destroy the district's character and local experts have denounced as doing little to solve congestion.
An alliance of 15 civic organizations and nearly 30,000 Panamanians have joined together to protect the district, but time is getting short. Preliminary work has already started and the alliance needs resources to build public awareness rapidly.
As with the destruction of the Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, the Cinta Costera III highway project would leave Panama and the world a poorer place. Moreover, tourism is considered one of Panama's best tools for eliminating poverty (nearly 40% of our population still lives in poverty), and the value of a World Heritage Site in attracting tourists is incalculable.
