Agua Salud

Functionality & Mechanism

This interactive environmental modeling tool, based on research from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), allows users to explore the consequences of land-use decisions in tropical ecosystems. The interface facilitates experimentation with various scenarios, such as establishing native tree plantations, growing coffee, or creating cattle pastures. By manipulating these variables for a virtual plot of land, users can observe the simulated impacts on environmental sustainability, visualizing the trade-offs associated with different development choices.

Development & Context

• The tool originates from the Agua Salud project, a long-term research initiative by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute studying ecosystem services.
• This initiative operates on a 700-hectare site in the Panama Canal watershed in partnership with the Panama Canal Authority and the Ministry of the Environment.
• The news coverage highlights that the underlying research has involved 375 scientists from 35 countries and produced 130 scientific publications since 2007.
• The simulation was developed alongside an interactive museum exhibit to translate complex scientific findings about land use and water resources for public education.

Intended Use & Scope

Agua Salud is designed as an educational and public engagement tool for a general audience, including students and families. Its purpose is to demonstrate core environmental principles from the Agua Salud research project in an accessible format. The information presented is for educational awareness and does not constitute professional land management guidance.