I just picked up this interesting article off the newswire. The headline reads -

"Panama Emerges as a Prime Location for Close-To-Nature, Low-Density Resort
Development"

The story begins talking about sustainable development in Panama which is very 
encouraging. Here's an excerpt:

CHICAGO, Nov. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Trendsetters in environmentally responsible
real estate development are discovering the many benefits of constructing
low-density resorts in emerging markets like Panama. 

Some savvy resort developers are responding to recent customer demands for
exceptional natural experiences without sacrificing profitability. The key is
emerging markets. Mature tourism markets have high land prices that make
low-density development an unprofitable option. This results in higher-density
developments, like high-rise beach hotels, which don't offer the seclusion
many travelers demand. In contrast, low-density development is easy to
accomplish in a destination like Panama, which is just recently emerging as a
tourist destination and where land is still inexpensive. "There is pressure to
discover the new location, to find the unspoiled beach and create value and
outperform the market," said Liam Bailey, head of residential research for
Knight Frank, in a recent New York Times article.

For the rest of the story go here