Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo
Score: 41

"The site is magnificent and the ruins at Portobelo are extraordinary, but the lack of care is evident. I picked up trash my entire walk and had a cubic foot by the time I left, 30 minutes later. And yet, the charm of the place itself leaks through."

"Portobelo still has huge problems as a modern town built on top of many ruins, which detracts from the aesthetic appeal and threatens the cultural significance of the site.Major deforestation is occurring within a legally created national park that surrounds Portobelo. The San Lorenzo natural area surrounding the fort is in much better condition than is Portobelo itself. Efforts are currently underway in San Lorenzo to increase participation by local residents."

"A lack of concerted efforts and leadership in conservation continues to plague these significant historic sites."

"An exceptional site in serious trouble. Portobelo-San Lorenzo has been invaded by the local people, and there is a total lack of awareness of the value of this site, resulting in a lack of management and of preservation. The site has aesthetic potential, both cultural and natural, however no elements are foreseen to improve this dramatic situation."