Chagres National Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chagres National Park |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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Chagres National Park (top center) within Panama
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| Location | Panamá Province, Panama |
| Area | 129,000 hectares (320,000 acres) |
| Established | 1985 |
| Chagres National Park Foundation | |
The Chagres National Park is a special nature park in Panama. It was created in 1986 to protect a large area of land, about 129,000 hectares (318,765 acres). This park is found between the Panamá Province and Colón, near the eastern part of the Panama Canal.
Inside the park, you'll find amazing tropical rainforests. Many rivers flow through it, like the Chagres River and the Gatun River. These rivers are super important because they provide enough water for the Gatun Lake, which is the main lake that helps the Panama Canal work.
The highest point in the park is a mountain called Cerro Jefe. It stands tall at 1,007 meters (3,304 feet) above sea level. Chagres National Park is also known as a very important place for Biodiversity around the world. This means it has a wide variety of plants and animals.
Why is Chagres Park Important?
This park was set up in 1985 for some very important reasons. Its main goal is to protect the natural forests within its borders.
- Water for the Panama Canal: The park makes sure there is enough clean water for the Panama Canal to operate smoothly. This canal is a vital waterway for ships from all over the world.
- Drinking Water: It supplies fresh drinking water to big cities like Panama City, Colón, and La Chorrera.
- Electricity: The park's rivers also help generate electricity for the cities of Panama and Colón.
See also
- In Spanish: Parque nacional Chagres para niños
