Protected areas (PAs) are key strategies for sustainable tourism development. Various international institutions advocate for the increased natural protection through PAs or other area- based conservation methods. However, PAs often put local neighboring communities at a disadvantage. One such community is the Ngobe Indigenous community of Salt Creek, located in the Bastimentos Island National Marine Park in Bocas del Toro, Panama. The Panamanian government has pushed for the expansion of natural protection in alignment with international PA targets. In this qualitative case study, a bridging social capital framework is used to examine community attitudes toward PAs and their potential expansion. This study found that tensions between local communities and institutions stemming from past events influence support for future policy. Hence, investing in trust, reciprocity and cooperation between actors enhances collaboration, promoting equitable policy that benefits local residents neighboring PAs.