The Social Progress Index Blue Dimension covers seven coastal communities in Panama’s Gulf of Chiriquí and Montijo. It’s a leading effort across Latin America to make visible the relationship between environmental sustainability and quality of life.
The SPI Blue Dimension offers a unique view into the wellbeing of Panama’s coastal populations and their relationship with marine-coastal resources. By following the Social Progress Index methodology, it integrates 87 indicators to measure progress across three dimensions and twelve components, with a specific “Blue Dimension” that captures governance, the blue economy, sociocultural connection, and climate adaptation and resilience.
This initiative was developed by Fundación MarViva, INCAE Business School, and Social Progress Imperative, with data collected from 502 households (1,725 people) across seven communities, including Boca Chica, Puerto Remedios, El Pito, Santa Catalina, Hicaco, Palo Seco and Lagartero in Panama. The results include a special analysis of fishing and non-fishing communities to identify areas of opportunity and how this practice influences their quality of life.
The Social Progress Index Blue Dimension provides decisionmakers, researchers, and communities with evidence-based insights to design interventions that strengthen sustainable coastal development and protect livelihoods tied to the ocean.
The SPI Blue Dimension offers a unique view into the wellbeing of Panama’s coastal populations and their relationship with marine-coastal resources. By following the Social Progress Index methodology, it integrates 87 indicators to measure progress across three dimensions and twelve components, with a specific “Blue Dimension” that captures governance, the blue economy, sociocultural connection, and climate adaptation and resilience.
This initiative was developed by Fundación MarViva, INCAE Business School, and Social Progress Imperative, with data collected from 502 households (1,725 people) across seven communities, including Boca Chica, Puerto Remedios, El Pito, Santa Catalina, Hicaco, Palo Seco and Lagartero in Panama. The results include a special analysis of fishing and non-fishing communities to identify areas of opportunity and how this practice influences their quality of life.
The Social Progress Index Blue Dimension provides decisionmakers, researchers, and communities with evidence-based insights to design interventions that strengthen sustainable coastal development and protect livelihoods tied to the ocean.
Fishing remains central to culture and livelihood, but its future is at risk. More than half of fishing households report that conditions have worsened over the last five years, with fish stocks declining and illegal fishing practices widespread. Many families already mix fishing with other income, and parents often hope their children will not depend on fishing. Weak governance and low climate resilience leave these communities vulnerable to shocks.
Two key insights are shown: 1. There is a high awareness of the importance of sustainable fishing, but low participation in support programs and environmental practices. 2. Uneven awareness of climate change, (most have heard of it, particularly in the fishing sector) and there are low levels of disaster preparedness and resilience.
In Panama’s coastal communities, daily life reflects a mix of progress and fragility. Most households have access to water and vaccinations are widespread, yet service interruptions, overcrowded housing, and frequent power outages weaken resilience. There is a high perception of security, but with incidents of robbery and violence in some communities, which remain major concerns.
The communities face a stark digital and educational divide. Mobile phone access is common, but few residents use the internet daily, leaving residents at a disadvantage for learning. Environmental conditions worsen the quality of life: pollution, deforestation, and declining fish populations are pressing issues in most communities. Health challenges also weigh heavily, from obesity and alcoholism to chronic illness.
Freedom of expression and participation in elections are valued across these communities. There is a strong perception of female autonomy and leadership, but lags in child labor and teenage pregnancy. On the other hand, there is a strong social cohesion and respect for diversity, yet, gender-based violence and discrimination against people with disabilities continue to limit opportunities for these groups.
Despite challenges, fishing still defines identity in these coastal areas. It shapes social bonds, traditions, their daily diets and community pride. Yet, the loss of fish and growing economic pressures are pushing households to reconsider their future. 7 out of 10 people in the sector do not want their children to follow in their footsteps. This tension between tradition and survival highlights the urgency of solutions that sustain both people and the sea.
According to the Global Social Progress Index, since 2011, the European Union has improved on social progress while the US has declined. However, this is largely due to the US backslide as opposed to the EU making great strides. As we see, social progress has stalled across Europe with the most significant decreases in Austria (-0.77), Lithuania (-0.62), Spain (-0.49), Slovakia (-0.47) and Croatia (-0.41).
In the UK the social progress has declined by 0.39 points since 2011 and it has fallen 8 places in the ranks since 2011 to 21st in 2023. As in the US, the UK decline is largely driven by declining rights and inclusiveness.
Despite challenges, fishing still defines identity in these coastal areas. It shapes social bonds, traditions, their daily diets and community pride. Yet, the loss of fish and growing economic pressures are pushing households to reconsider their future. 7 out of 10 people in the sector do not want their children to follow in their footsteps. This tension between tradition and survival highlights the urgency of solutions that sustain both people and the sea.
Fishing remains central to culture and livelihood, but its future is at risk. More than half of fishing households report that conditions have worsened over the last five years, with fish stocks declining and illegal fishing practices widespread. Many families already mix fishing with other income, and parents often hope their children will not depend on fishing. Weak governance and low climate resilience leave these communities vulnerable to shocks.
Two key insights are shown: 1. There is a high awareness of the importance of sustainable fishing, but low participation in support programs and environmental practices. 2. Uneven awareness of climate change, (most have heard of it, particularly in the fishing sector) and there are low levels of disaster preparedness and resilience.
In Panama’s coastal communities, daily life reflects a mix of progress and fragility. Most households have access to water and vaccinations are widespread, yet service interruptions, overcrowded housing, and frequent power outages weaken resilience. There is a high perception of security, but with incidents of robbery and violence in some communities, which remain major concerns.
The communities face a stark digital and educational divide. Mobile phone access is common, but few residents use the internet daily, leaving residents at a disadvantage for learning. Environmental conditions worsen the quality of life: pollution, deforestation, and declining fish populations are pressing issues in most communities. Health challenges also weigh heavily, from obesity and alcoholism to chronic illness.
Freedom of expression and participation in elections are valued across these communities. There is a strong perception of female autonomy and leadership, but lags in child labor and teenage pregnancy. On the other hand, there is a strong social cohesion and respect for diversity, yet, gender-based violence and discrimination against people with disabilities continue to limit opportunities for these groups.
Despite challenges, fishing still defines identity in these coastal areas. It shapes social bonds, traditions, their daily diets and community pride. Yet, the loss of fish and growing economic pressures are pushing households to reconsider their future. 7 out of 10 people in the sector do not want their children to follow in their footsteps. This tension between tradition and survival highlights the urgency of solutions that sustain both people and the sea.
Fishing remains central to culture and livelihood, but its future is at risk. More than half of fishing households report that conditions have worsened over the last five years, with fish stocks declining and illegal fishing practices widespread. Many families already mix fishing with other income, and parents often hope their children will not depend on fishing. Weak governance and low climate resilience leave these communities vulnerable to shocks.
Two key insights are shown: 1. There is a high awareness of the importance of sustainable fishing, but low participation in support programs and environmental practices. 2. Uneven awareness of climate change, (most have heard of it, particularly in the fishing sector) and there are low levels of disaster preparedness and resilience.
In Panama’s coastal communities, daily life reflects a mix of progress and fragility. Most households have access to water and vaccinations are widespread, yet service interruptions, overcrowded housing, and frequent power outages weaken resilience. There is a high perception of security, but with incidents of robbery and violence in some communities, which remain major concerns.
The communities face a stark digital and educational divide. Mobile phone access is common, but few residents use the internet daily, leaving residents at a disadvantage for learning. Environmental conditions worsen the quality of life: pollution, deforestation, and declining fish populations are pressing issues in most communities. Health challenges also weigh heavily, from obesity and alcoholism to chronic illness.
Freedom of expression and participation in elections are valued across these communities. There is a strong perception of female autonomy and leadership, but lags in child labor and teenage pregnancy. On the other hand, there is a strong social cohesion and respect for diversity, yet, gender-based violence and discrimination against people with disabilities continue to limit opportunities for these groups.
Despite challenges, fishing still defines identity in these coastal areas. It shapes social bonds, traditions, their daily diets and community pride. Yet, the loss of fish and growing economic pressures are pushing households to reconsider their future. 7 out of 10 people in the sector do not want their children to follow in their footsteps. This tension between tradition and survival highlights the urgency of solutions that sustain both people and the sea.
Fishing remains central to culture and livelihood, but its future is at risk. More than half of fishing households report that conditions have worsened over the last five years, with fish stocks declining and illegal fishing practices widespread. Many families already mix fishing with other income, and parents often hope their children will not depend on fishing. Weak governance and low climate resilience leave these communities vulnerable to shocks.
Two key insights are shown: 1. There is a high awareness of the importance of sustainable fishing, but low participation in support programs and environmental practices. 2. Uneven awareness of climate change, (most have heard of it, particularly in the fishing sector) and there are low levels of disaster preparedness and resilience.
Despite challenges, fishing still defines identity in these coastal areas. It shapes social bonds, traditions, their daily diets and community pride. Yet, the loss of fish and growing economic pressures are pushing households to reconsider their future. 7 out of 10 people in the sector do not want their children to follow in their footsteps. This tension between tradition and survival highlights the urgency of solutions that sustain both people and the sea.
In Panama’s coastal communities, daily life reflects a mix of progress and fragility. Most households have access to water and vaccinations are widespread, yet service interruptions, overcrowded housing, and frequent power outages weaken resilience. There is a high perception of security, but with incidents of robbery and violence in some communities, which remain major concerns.
The communities face a stark digital and educational divide. Mobile phone access is common, but few residents use the internet daily, leaving residents at a disadvantage for learning. Environmental conditions worsen the quality of life: pollution, deforestation, and declining fish populations are pressing issues in most communities. Health challenges also weigh heavily, from obesity and alcoholism to chronic illness.
Freedom of expression and participation in elections are valued across these communities. There is a strong perception of female autonomy and leadership, but lags in child labor and teenage pregnancy. On the other hand, there is a strong social cohesion and respect for diversity, yet, gender-based violence and discrimination against people with disabilities continue to limit opportunities for these groups.
Fishing remains central to culture and livelihood, but its future is at risk. More than half of fishing households report that conditions have worsened over the last five years, with fish stocks declining and illegal fishing practices widespread. Many families already mix fishing with other income, and parents often hope their children will not depend on fishing. Weak governance and low climate resilience leave these communities vulnerable to shocks.
Two key insights are shown: 1. There is a high awareness of the importance of sustainable fishing, but low participation in support programs and environmental practices. 2. Uneven awareness of climate change, (most have heard of it, particularly in the fishing sector) and there are low levels of disaster preparedness and resilience.
In Panama’s coastal communities, daily life reflects a mix of progress and fragility. Most households have access to water and vaccinations are widespread, yet service interruptions, overcrowded housing, and frequent power outages weaken resilience. There is a high perception of security, but with incidents of robbery and violence in some communities, which remain major concerns.
The communities face a stark digital and educational divide. Mobile phone access is common, but few residents use the internet daily, leaving residents at a disadvantage for learning. Environmental conditions worsen the quality of life: pollution, deforestation, and declining fish populations are pressing issues in most communities. Health challenges also weigh heavily, from obesity and alcoholism to chronic illness.
Freedom of expression and participation in elections are valued across these communities. There is a strong perception of female autonomy and leadership, but lags in child labor and teenage pregnancy. On the other hand, there is a strong social cohesion and respect for diversity, yet, gender-based violence and discrimination against people with disabilities continue to limit opportunities for these groups.
Despite challenges, fishing still defines identity in these coastal areas. It shapes social bonds, traditions, their daily diets and community pride. Yet, the loss of fish and growing economic pressures are pushing households to reconsider their future. 7 out of 10 people in the sector do not want their children to follow in their footsteps. This tension between tradition and survival highlights the urgency of solutions that sustain both people and the sea.
Fishing remains central to culture and livelihood, but its future is at risk. More than half of fishing households report that conditions have worsened over the last five years, with fish stocks declining and illegal fishing practices widespread. Many families already mix fishing with other income, and parents often hope their children will not depend on fishing. Weak governance and low climate resilience leave these communities vulnerable to shocks.
Two key insights are shown: 1. There is a high awareness of the importance of sustainable fishing, but low participation in support programs and environmental practices. 2. Uneven awareness of climate change, (most have heard of it, particularly in the fishing sector) and there are low levels of disaster preparedness and resilience.
In Panama’s coastal communities, daily life reflects a mix of progress and fragility. Most households have access to water and vaccinations are widespread, yet service interruptions, overcrowded housing, and frequent power outages weaken resilience. There is a high perception of security, but with incidents of robbery and violence in some communities, which remain major concerns.
Fishing remains central to culture and livelihood, but its future is at risk. More than half of fishing households report that conditions have worsened over the last five years, with fish stocks declining and illegal fishing practices widespread. Many families already mix fishing with other income, and parents often hope their children will not depend on fishing. Weak governance and low climate resilience leave these communities vulnerable to shocks.
Two key insights are shown: 1. There is a high awareness of the importance of sustainable fishing, but low participation in support programs and environmental practices. 2. Uneven awareness of climate change, (most have heard of it, particularly in the fishing sector) and there are low levels of disaster preparedness and resilience.
In Panama’s coastal communities, daily life reflects a mix of progress and fragility. Most households have access to water and vaccinations are widespread, yet service interruptions, overcrowded housing, and frequent power outages weaken resilience. There is a high perception of security, but with incidents of robbery and violence in some communities, which remain major concerns.
In Panama’s coastal communities, daily life reflects a mix of progress and fragility. Most households have access to water and vaccinations are widespread, yet service interruptions, overcrowded housing, and frequent power outages weaken resilience. There is a high perception of security, but with incidents of robbery and violence in some communities, which remain major concerns.
In Panama’s coastal communities, daily life reflects a mix of progress and fragility. Most households have access to water and vaccinations are widespread, yet service interruptions, overcrowded housing, and frequent power outages weaken resilience. There is a high perception of security, but with incidents of robbery and violence in some communities, which remain major concerns.
Fishing remains central to culture and livelihood, but its future is at risk. More than half of fishing households report that conditions have worsened over the last five years, with fish stocks declining and illegal fishing practices widespread. Many families already mix fishing with other income, and parents often hope their children will not depend on fishing. Weak governance and low climate resilience leave these communities vulnerable to shocks.
Two key insights are shown: 1. There is a high awareness of the importance of sustainable fishing, but low participation in support programs and environmental practices. 2. Uneven awareness of climate change, (most have heard of it, particularly in the fishing sector) and there are low levels of disaster preparedness and resilience.
Fishing remains central to culture and livelihood, but its future is at risk. More than half of fishing households report that conditions have worsened over the last five years, with fish stocks declining and illegal fishing practices widespread. Many families already mix fishing with other income, and parents often hope their children will not depend on fishing. Weak governance and low climate resilience leave these communities vulnerable to shocks.
Two key insights are shown: 1. There is a high awareness of the importance of sustainable fishing, but low participation in support programs and environmental practices. 2. Uneven awareness of climate change, (most have heard of it, particularly in the fishing sector) and there are low levels of disaster preparedness and resilience.
Fishing remains central to culture and livelihood, but its future is at risk. More than half of fishing households report that conditions have worsened over the last five years, with fish stocks declining and illegal fishing practices widespread. Many families already mix fishing with other income, and parents often hope their children will not depend on fishing. Weak governance and low climate resilience leave these communities vulnerable to shocks.
Two key insights are shown: 1. There is a high awareness of the importance of sustainable fishing, but low participation in support programs and environmental practices. 2. Uneven awareness of climate change, (most have heard of it, particularly in the fishing sector) and there are low levels of disaster preparedness and resilience.
Fishing remains central to culture and livelihood, but its future is at risk. More than half of fishing households report that conditions have worsened over the last five years, with fish stocks declining and illegal fishing practices widespread. Many families already mix fishing with other income, and parents often hope their children will not depend on fishing. Weak governance and low climate resilience leave these communities vulnerable to shocks.
Two key insights are shown: 1. There is a high awareness of the importance of sustainable fishing, but low participation in support programs and environmental practices. 2. Uneven awareness of climate change, (most have heard of it, particularly in the fishing sector) and there are low levels of disaster preparedness and resilience.
In Panama’s coastal communities, daily life reflects a mix of progress and fragility. Most households have access to water and vaccinations are widespread, yet service interruptions, overcrowded housing, and frequent power outages weaken resilience. There is a high perception of security, but with incidents of robbery and violence in some communities, which remain major concerns.
The communities face a stark digital and educational divide. Mobile phone access is common, but few residents use the internet daily, leaving residents at a disadvantage for learning. Environmental conditions worsen the quality of life: pollution, deforestation, and declining fish populations are pressing issues in most communities. Health challenges also weigh heavily, from obesity and alcoholism to chronic illness.
Freedom of expression and participation in elections are valued across these communities. There is a strong perception of female autonomy and leadership, but lags in child labor and teenage pregnancy. On the other hand, there is a strong social cohesion and respect for diversity, yet, gender-based violence and discrimination against people with disabilities continue to limit opportunities for these groups.
Solutions to develop high quality products.
Fishing remains central to culture and livelihood, but its future is at risk. More than half of fishing households report that conditions have worsened over the last five years, with fish stocks declining and illegal fishing practices widespread. Many families already mix fishing with other income, and parents often hope their children will not depend on fishing. Weak governance and low climate resilience leave these communities vulnerable to shocks.
Two key insights are shown: 1. There is a high awareness of the importance of sustainable fishing, but low participation in support programs and environmental practices. 2. Uneven awareness of climate change, (most have heard of it, particularly in the fishing sector) and there are low levels of disaster preparedness and resilience.
In Panama’s coastal communities, daily life reflects a mix of progress and fragility. Most households have access to water and vaccinations are widespread, yet service interruptions, overcrowded housing, and frequent power outages weaken resilience. There is a high perception of security, but with incidents of robbery and violence in some communities, which remain major concerns.
The communities face a stark digital and educational divide. Mobile phone access is common, but few residents use the internet daily, leaving residents at a disadvantage for learning. Environmental conditions worsen the quality of life: pollution, deforestation, and declining fish populations are pressing issues in most communities. Health challenges also weigh heavily, from obesity and alcoholism to chronic illness.
Freedom of expression and participation in elections are valued across these communities. There is a strong perception of female autonomy and leadership, but lags in child labor and teenage pregnancy. On the other hand, there is a strong social cohesion and respect for diversity, yet, gender-based violence and discrimination against people with disabilities continue to limit opportunities for these groups.
Despite challenges, fishing still defines identity in these coastal areas. It shapes social bonds, traditions, their daily diets and community pride. Yet, the loss of fish and growing economic pressures are pushing households to reconsider their future. 7 out of 10 people in the sector do not want their children to follow in their footsteps. This tension between tradition and survival highlights the urgency of solutions that sustain both people and the sea.
In this brief interview, Sofía Ramírez, director of México ¿cómo vamos? highlights six key takeaways from their latest report and the lessons Mexico offers as a diverse country. She also shares how they collaborate with policymakers and leaders across sectors to track and amplify the impact of their work.
Explore the full results and learn more about the work that México, ¿cómo vamos? is leading.
1. Allows for the assessment of comprehensive well-being beyond economic growth
2. Generates key data to improve coastal governance and resilience
3. Allows for the comparison of communities and the design of differentiated interventions
4. Promotes more equitable and data-driven coastal management
1. Allows for the assessment of comprehensive well-being beyond economic growth
2. Generates key data to improve coastal governance and resilience
3. Allows for the comparison of communities and the design of differentiated interventions
4. Promotes more equitable and data-driven coastal management
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The India Dialogue, hosted at Stanford University, brought together leaders from various sectors to share insights on how India can tackle social challenges and enhance policymaking. The plan of action presented at the event focuses on innovation, social progress, and competitiveness as key pillars.
The People's Report is a global interactive survey of dreams and realities that amplifies unheard voices to advance on the Sustainable Development Goals and social impact.
The Brazil Social Progress Index covers 5,570 municipalities across Brazil's 26 states and the Federal District. It is one of the most ambitious efforts worldwide to measure social progress on a subnational scale.
Ready to advance social progress in your community?
