In Latin
America, where social, environmental, and economic
challenges are so diverse, strategic partnerships have become a key
tool for advancing towards truly sustainable development. An
81-meter pedestrian bridge reconstructed with recycled materials
exemplifies the power of alliances to protect our environment and
transform lives in our region.
PANAMA CITY, May 5, 2025
/PRNewswire/ -- What was once considered waste is now a symbol
of hope. Thanks to the joint efforts of Banco Latinoamericano de
Comercio Exterior, S.A. (Bladex), the Panama Canal, and the
Botellas de Amor Foundation, a new pedestrian bridge has been
inaugurated in the Watershed of the Panama Canal, built from over 3
tons of recycled plastic.
This initiative prevented this plastic waste from ending up in
landfills, rivers, or oceans, transforming an environmental problem
into a concrete solution that enhances the quality of life for
communities and protects the natural environment.
The structure, measuring 81 meters in length, connects four
communities, significantly improving the mobility and safety of
over 300 people. Beyond its functionality, this bridge symbolizes
the power of collaboration to promote sustainable solutions and
generate tangible social impact.
Jessica Janson, Senior Vice President of Corporate
Communications and Social Investment at Bladex, stated: "With every
step taken on this bridge, we reaffirm that waste can become a
solution, and that a true commitment to sustainability has the
power to transform lives."
This initiative is part of Bladex's ESG (Environmental,
Social, and Governance) strategy and reflects its commitment to
sustainable development in Panama
and the region. It is the second bridge of this type delivered by
the institution; the first was inaugurated in 2023 in the
Kosovo community of Puerto
Caimito, Panama, as part of its
vision to convert environmental challenges into opportunities for
Latin American communities.
"The purpose of Bladex is to build bridges between
Latin America and the world to
support the development of our clients and the region. Projects
like this are an extension of that purpose brought to life within
communities and form part of our contribution toward a more
sustainable, inclusive, and human future for our region,"
said Jorge Salas, CEO of
Bladex.
The project was built using plastic profiles manufactured
by Fundación Botellas de Amor from recycled materials and
benefited from the operational and logistical support of the Panama
Canal. The collaboration also included collection campaigns,
environmental awareness initiatives, and volunteer activities led
by Bladex and the Panama Canal.
"For the Panama Canal, being part of this project is a source of
pride. It reflects our commitment to the environment and to the
communities within the Panama Canal Watershed,"
said Ilya Espino de
Marotta, Deputy Administrator of the Panama
Canal.
The Watershed of the Panama Canal is crucial at an international
level as it is the source of water for the operation of the Canal.
It is vital for global maritime navigation, facilitating the
transit of ships between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and
connecting 170 countries through 180 maritime routes. It is also
key for the supply of drinking water for the Panamanian population.
The watershed also hosts communities that are conscious of
protecting their environment and a rich biodiversity, with
significant protected areas.
This bridge not only connects communities; it connects purposes.
It confirms that when Latin
America works in partnership, the results become stories
that inspire. Therefore, Bladex will continue to promote
initiatives with tangible impact that can progressively expand
throughout the region.
About Bladex
Bladex is a multinational bank originally established by the
central banks of Latin American and Caribbean countries. It began operations in
1979 with the mission of promoting foreign trade financing and
regional economic integration. Headquartered in Panama, the Bank also has offices in
Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and the
United States, and a representative license in Peru, supporting regional development and
serving a client base that includes financial institutions and
corporations.
Bladex has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BLX)
since 1992. Its shareholders include central banks and state-owned
entities from 23 Latin American countries, commercial banks and
financial institutions, as well as institutional and retail
investors through its public listing.
Contact:
Jessica Janson - VPS,
Comunicaciones Corporativas e Inversión Social
Correo:
jjanson@bladex.com<mailto:jjanson@bladex.com> / Tel.:
(+507) 210-8500
Dirección Casa Matriz: Edificio Business Park, Torre V,
Avenida La Rotonda, Urb. Costa del
Este,
Panamá, República de Panamá
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SOURCE Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A.
(Bladex)