Positive Changes in Countries, Part 48 of a Multi-part Series – Progressive Governments, Progressive Citizens: Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay

We’re a pioneer in legalizing the rights of indigenous people, who just celebrated a milestone recognition of their land rights. My country excels in environmental and ecosystem protection. We expanded the Cordillera de Coiba marine protected area by an additional 50,518 square kilometers. In 2022, Panama’s clean, green electricity generation reached over 76%, with about 71% from hydropower sources and 5.8% from solar and wind power, with plans to also diversify with hydrogen production. That would make Panama a leader in mitigating climate change! What’s more, the renowned Panama Canal, an 82-km artificial waterway, is one of the human engineering wonders of the modern world. Veganism is also thriving, with veganized traditional foods now readily available in markets and even among street vendors. Here is a fun fact: Panama is the only country in the world where the sun rises in the west over the Pacific and sets in the east over the Atlantic due to the Isthmus of Panama.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is an island nation in the southwest Pacific near the Equator. It’s bordered by Indonesia on land to the west and Australia to the south across the Arafura sea and is the third largest island country in the world. With rugged landscapes and pristine ecosystems, PNG also hosts 5% of the planet’s species and the world’s most diverse coral reef systems. The government of PNG and conservation organizations work together with local communities to protect nature and biodiversity. The PNG parliament also voted to abolish the death penalty, a significant step forward for human rights in PNG.

Paraguay was ranked one of the happiest countries in the Gallup Happiness Report for three consecutive years between 2013 and 2015, and also in 2019. The Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue, the best-preserved urban complex built in the 17th and 18th centuries, is recognized as a UNESCO world cultural heritage site, reflecting the Christian missionary importance Paraguayan history. With support from the European Union and the UNDP, the government established the Political Training School for Women Leaders to improve gender equality. Paraguay also strives to improve women’s economic status within their homes and communities. In addition, in the Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Project supported by international agencies, small-scale farmers from 105 communities were provided with financial assistance and training to adopt sustainable agricultural practices. The vegan/plant-based lifestyle is growing in Paraguay. Happycow.net lists 44 vegan/vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Paraguay, including 23 fully vegan restaurants, many of which are in Asuncion, the capital.