Allison Silverman Eco-Tourism Interview


Allison Silverman Eco-Tourism Interview

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Written by Aliza Elbert

Friday, August 04 2006

I was introduced to Allison “Allie” Silverman about 2 weeks ago by Matt at the gringo hangout, ClaroCom. Her petite, muscular figure, freckles, and bright smile welcomed me to this country as well as quickly telling me she had to run because she had a web conference with a man in India. I chuckled, because her mannerisms were just so cute. Matt swiftly explained that she was here on a grant from the States doing stuff with solar energy. In turn, a great candidate for this fiery chair we like to call, THE HOT SEAT.

We met again about 2 weeks later at Clarocom, of course, to let her enlighten me, pun intended, on her current life here in Panama.

Q: What are you doing here in Panama?
A: I am working on the feasibility and public perception of solar energy. I originally concentrated on a comparison of two communities, Cocle and Cerra Punta, but I realized that a more useful study would be to focus on what was going on in terms of solar energy in Panama. I am hoping that I will conclude my work here with something like a national outlook of solar energy for Panama.

Q: What has been done in the area of solar power in Panama in comparison with the rest of Central America?
A: In Panama there have been a number of little, not very stressed, projects by the Ministry of Health and Education and other government organizations to try and implement solar energy. Other countries such as Nicaragua and Costa Rica have more well established programs that are currently being executed. Panama is unique in the sense that it has more rivers and water in general than Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Panama might want to focus more on hydroelectric power rather than solar power, or maybe a hybrid of both hydro and solar power. I do believe though that Panama's solar power is coming slowly, but surely.

Q: On a scale of 1-10, what is the potential for solar power in Panama?
A: There is great potential for solar energy in Panama, however there are a number of barriers as well; as a result, I cannot determine a value for the potential of solar energy in Panama. What I can say is that I am very hopeful and optimistic because we have already identified the barriers to its promotion and now we can find ways to get around them. One of the most important ways to encourage Panama's potential for solar energy use to grow is with government incentives and subsidies. If the government provided incentives and subsidies to utilize solar power, than companies and individuals alike could embrace it more easily. Currently individuals and businesses are not using solar power because the initial cost is so expensive and it would take years to earn back this investment even when, with solar energy, one does not pay by one's consumption. Besides the need for the government to encourage and enhance the potential for solar power, in the tourism world, there is strong potential. In fact, I believe the tourism industry almost has an obligation to invest and promote this form of renewable energy in Panama. If hotels took the initiative, I believe that they could push the government to jump on the bandwagon as well. Furthermore, the tourism could benefit from solar energy because it would be attractive to any clients and it conserves the natural world on which many of Panama's tourism is based.

Q: In what respects can tourism in Panama learn from other established countries?
A: Much like other things in life, you want to learn from as many experiences as you can. If Panama learns from other countries' mistakes, as well as their accomplishments, then Panama's tourism industry could really thrive. In terms of solar energy, there are many examples of other countries using solar energy to provide electricity to outfit their hotels, lodges and cabins. The technology exists and in Panama we have a strong solar radiation as a resource we can use to our benefit.

Q: What is your favorite cereal?
A: I like whole wheat flaky cereal. I like Fitness here. But at home I like Total and Wheaties. I also am a big fan of mixing different cereals altogether.

Q: Does it get soggy or stay crispy when mixed with milk?
A: Soggy. But, I like it like that.

Q: If you were president for the day, what laws/regulations would you play with regarding solar power? And, if you were president would you still eat that cereal?
A: Bueno, I have a number of ideas as to how I would promote solar energy if I was in charge. First and foremost, I would put solar panels in my office and at my home to set an example for others; and, I would demand that other government agencies follow in suit. I would also use government taxes from ITBM or other sources to provide subsidies for individuals and businesses who also wanted to use solar energy for providing for their electricity needs. My reasoning for supporting solar energy financially is because, as President, I would realize the importance the environment and natural world plays for the country of Panama. Furthermore, because we have signed the Kyoto Protocol, which sets mandatory targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the government should be willing to support (financially and otherwise) those who were interested in doing their part. In addition to these subsidies, I would have in place other incentives, such as exonerating all of the taxes associated with importing solar energy equipment. Because Panama does not fabricate solar panels, there are expenses associated with it arriving to Panama. I would also pass a regulation encouraging ANAM and environmental NGOs to have programs to enhance the public's understanding of solar energy and to make it easier to implement solar power projects; right now a lot of people don't even bother investing in solar energy because it is complicated. I could go on for hours, but I'll leave you with this last regulation: I would require that by the year 2010, all communities in Panama without access to electricity be provided with it using solar energy systems. (However, if there is a better renewable alternative, such as wind, MINIhydro, or a hybrid system, then I would defer to that option.) This effort should be implemented with full support and understanding from the community, in conjunction with a plan for using electricity as a means for sustainable development for the community members.

Q: How do you think Panama's Indian community should play a role in the development of tourism here?
A: I think they should do what they want to do. If they want to get more involved in tourism, they should, if not, so be it. I know that there are a number of hotels in Kuna Yala that run on solar power. I think that this is very intelligent. Solar energy is also being used in the comarca to power individual homes and community centers.

Q: Peanut butter or jelly?
A: Necessary. But there isn't any natural peanut butter here. Only in Riba Smith, a high-end grocery store, here in Panama City. Oh, I also like peanut butter and honey.

Q: When, and if you ever, return to the United States are you going to live in a completely solar powered home?
A: It depends. I am from New York City and live in an apartment, so I don't have my own roof to have solar panels. In this case, I would support renewable energy by using electric companies that support and/or would provide me with clean energy without having the actual equipment attached to my home. On the other hand, if I live outside of the City and solar energy was a viable option, I would certainly use solar energy.

Q: How can someone who is interested become involved in solar power development in Panama?
A: That's a great question. A group of professors, businesses, and individuals who are interested in promoting solar energy here in Panama formed a couple of years ago; however, it took a couple of years to fully organize themselves into an official “Association” and the momentum for the mission has died down. I am currently working with this group to bring it back to life. We have discussed ways in which we can get others interested and informed in the issue as well; one of the ideas that will probably be the first to be implemented is a website with information about solar energy in general, options for Panama, legal issues in Panama, and what projects have already been realized so that it is easily accessible by all. I wish that such a website existed when I first arrived here almost a year ago because I found that I had to run all over Panama to find information, where it should have been in a library somewhere. Currently at the Universidad Technologica de Panama, they do offer a Master's program in Environmental Studies, but if you are not an engineer, I think that the classes could be daunting. Before the website is built, I think that the best way to obtain information about solar energy would be to go to the solar energy businesses and ask them for basic information.

Q: Favorite Quote?
A: Don't have one. I am one of those people that is inspired by many.