Panama City, Panama, November 14, 2006.-
The Environmental Management Division of the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) received recertification of its Environmental Management System under ISO 14001:2004. The Environmental Management System was awarded its first ISO 14001 certification in 2003. The ISO, endorsed by Lloyd’s Register, is particularly applicable in the Environmental Management Division’s efforts to monitor, protect and conserve natural resources with an emphasis on water – the central axis of the Canal’s operations.
“The ACP is honored and proud that our Environmental Management Division received ISO 14001:2004 recertification for its environmentally conscious practices. This is an independent validation of extensive commitment to sustainable development,” said Carlos Vargas, Manager of the ACP Environmental Management Division. “We remain committed to sustainable development practices and policies.”
The Environmental Management Division of the ACP is responsible for the development of policies and environmental programs, the prevention and control of contamination, environmental monitoring of the Canal’s Watershed and the management of the Canal’s water resource. The Canal Watershed maintains the reserve of this valuable natural resource. As well as being the principal source of water required for vessel transits, the Canal Watershed provides 95 percent of the drinking water for the inhabitants of the cities of Colon and Panama.
The ACP undertakes all of its construction programs in accordance with world-class environmental standards and principles, and is a signatory of the UN’s Global Compact. The ACP is also led by 11 “Guiding Principles” that have been at the center of the organization’s goals, objectives, and operations. These Principles focus on the ACP’s commitment to quality customer service and its dedication to its primary stakeholder – the Panamanian people.
ISO 14001 standards help organizations execute successful environmental management systems that minimize how their operations affect the environment.
ABOUT THE PANAMA CANAL AUTHORITY
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) is the autonomous agency of the Government of Panama in charge of managing, operating and maintaining the Panama Canal. The operation of the ACP is based on its organic law and the regulations approved by its Board of Directors. For more information, please refer to the ACP’s Web site: www.pancanal.com. For Panama Canal video, please visit www.thenewsmarket.com.
