Humedal de Importancia Internacional Damani-Guariviara. 09/03/10; Comarca Ngöble Buglé; 24,089 ha; 08°56'N 081°44'W. National protected area. The Damani-Guariviara wetland lies within the Neotropical-Caribbean biogeographical region and includes coastal and inland wetlands such as beaches, marshes, salty and freshwater lagoons, rivers and mangroves. Because of its various habitats, the site has high biological value as it sustains an ample diversity of flora and fauna. The area is an important nesting site for turtles such as the critically endangered Carey (Eretmochelys imbricata) and it sustains species in CITES' appendices I and II and IUCN Red List such as Manatee (Trichechus manatus), Howling monkeys (Aloutta palliata), Harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja), Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), and Green turtle (Chelonia mydas). The area also provides livelihoods for the nomad Ngobe y Buglé ethnic groups, among Panama's most ancient tribes, and it is considered to have high ethno- and eco-touristic potential. Among its main threats, the wetland faces deforestation, inappropriate agricultural practices, subsistence hunting, overexploitation of marine resources, mining, and pollution of its catchment. In response, a management plan has been proposed for the site. The site was designated a national protected area in 2004 under the category Wetland of International Importance. Ramsar site no. 1907. Most recent RIS information: 2010.