Even in today’s digital age, where social media drives fast content consumption, traditional media still holds a strong influence in Panama. Morning shows, in particular, continue to connect deeply with audiences thanks to their charismatic hosts and engaging formats.
As part of the "Sustainable Transformation of Municipal Markets: Circular Economy and Zero Waste" project, funded by the Joint SDG Fund and implemented by UNDP and FAO, supported by the the Resident Coordinator's Office, we commemorated Sustainable Gastronomy Day on June 17th. For this special event, television stepped out of the studio and into the heart of the San Felipe Neri Municipal Market. Over 400,000 viewers across Panama tuned in to learn about how local markets are being transformed, while regular marketgoers enjoyed traditional Panamanian dishes with a twist. In a creative effort to reduce food waste, ingredients like banana peels were used to make a unique version of the classic "ropa vieja" dish, tasted and enjoyed by more than 400 visitors.
"This project supports Panama in accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals by building strong partnerships. With a small fund, it brings togethethe private sector, research centers like the Smithsonian, the Ministry of Agricultural Development, the Mayor's Office of Panama, and cultural organizations. It shows how innovation and sustainability are possible—by using every part of fruits and vegetables and creating zero waste" states Ana Patricia Graça, UN Resident Coordinator in Panama. Her leadership has played a crucial role in progressing this creative initiative.
This project is transforming how waste is managed in Panama City’s municipal markets, promoting circular economy practices that support sustainable development. By introducing better systems for organic waste and food rescue, it aims to reduce landfill waste by 10% and produce 150 kilograms of compost each month.. This directly supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
The transformation of municipal markets is a commitment to both producers and consumers. It brings key partners together and encourages meaningful changes in habits that support sustainable development.
Note:
All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
