We Sign Agreement to Strengthen Black Cockle MSMEs in Chiriquí
The Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Agriculture and Tourism of Chiriquí (CAMCHI) and Puerto Barú in David signed an Interinstitutional Cooperation Agreement through which Puerto Barú joins as a Strategic Partner for Commercial Linkages under the Live Shell project: “Strengthening Black Cockle Resource Management and Market Opportunities for SMEs in the Seafood Sector.”
Live Shell was launched after CAMCHI won the international Empower Innovation Challenge, promoted within the framework of initiatives supported by the United States Department of State and aimed at projects focused on community impact and sustainability.
Through this technical assistance, a team of specialized consultants will work with micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in the sector on governance, community organization, productivity, marketing, finance, and legal matters. The goal is to support their transition from informal practices to a structured, efficient, and market-oriented business model.
As its main component, Live Shell will promote the “Concha Viva” initiative, which will advance the active sustainability of black cockle populations and the mangrove ecosystem through community nurseries for resource replenishment, a comprehensive management plan featuring responsible harvesting practices, ongoing monitoring, and continuous training for beneficiary communities.
“This agreement provides the Live Shell project with a clear framework to work hand in hand with Puerto Barú on what black cockle harvesters and entrepreneurs need most: to organize themselves, formalize their activities, and reach new markets with a responsibly managed product,” said Oliver Candanedo, CAMCHI’s Second Vice President and legal consultant for the Live Shell project.
The project will also be coordinated with other regional development initiatives, such as the Pedregal Seafood Market and the Gulf of Chiriquí Tourism Circuit, promoting higher-value products for local, regional, and international markets. MSMEs, which represent more than 90% of businesses and contribute approximately 50% of global gross domestic product, are considered by CAMCHI to be a driving force behind local economic development.
Meanwhile, Bárbara Elorza, Senior Communications Manager at Puerto Barú in David, emphasized that this step represents much more than a historic milestone for the Pedregal fishing community; it demonstrates the value of partnerships and collaborative efforts.
She also reaffirmed the port’s commitment to continuing to work hand in hand with harvesters and promoting initiatives that contribute to sustainable development.
