Chagres region

The Chagres region is a vital area in Panama, primarily defined by the Chagres River. This river is a crucial component of the Panama Canal system, rising in the Cordillera de San Blas and flowing southwest. It forms Madden Lake behind Madden Dam, which aids in navigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation. Below the dam, the Chagres River joins the Panama Canal and then flows through Gatún Lake before emptying into the Caribbean Sea. This region, which includes Panama City and Colón, is the most densely populated part of Panama and is the source of most of Panama City's water supply. However, deforestation in the river basin poses a threat to water quality and the canal's functionality.12