Mega-projects and Respect for Communities and the Environment

There is so much to say on this topic that it's hard to know where to start.  Many of you have learned first hand about the presence of Canadian gold mining companies in the San Marcos region, and the more recent issues surrounding Italian hydroelectric companies in the Quiche region.  These two examples are by far not the only ones to mention in Guatemala or in the entire region.  Conflict over land and who has rights to it and it's resources abound in all of Latin America (and the world).  Although we spend a lot of time focusing on the impact of these issues on Guatemala, El Salvador has similar stories to share that are closely connected to our North American friends.  The presence of mega-projects and the conflict that surrounds them is a current challenge that El Salvador is also facing.  El Salvador’s fight against gold mining companies has come to the forefront of recent international news due to a $77 million lawsuit that the Canadian company, Pacific Rim, filed against the country as a result of the government failing to give permission to the company to begin operations on environmental grounds.  Due to local opposition that spurred country wide protests against metal mining, all large-scale operations of this nature have been suspended since 2008.  However, the fight over the lawsuit continues and at a high cost to El Salvador.  The country has spent around $5 million dollars of public funds in legal fees; funds that could be better spent on important social and economic initiatives.  For a complete overview of the situation in El Salvador, read, "Mining Gold, Undermining Democracy." 

These are important issues that affect a country we work in and many of you have visited.  It is our hope that through these updates and our upcoming advocacy tool-kit, we will all continue to learn about the reality here and ways that we can work for change.  One such action is by checking out Voices on the Border, a small non-profit organization working for "just and equitable development in El Salvador."  Please check their website for more information on an Oxfam initiated petition that is asking the U.S. government to end their support of Pacific Rim and the case against El Salvador.

For more information on this issue and other similar struggles, visit the MCC Latin America Advocacy blog:
El Salvador fights to protect its environment 
Working for Peace in Panama

The Latin America advocacy program has also started a Facebook page - another great way to stay connected to these and many other important issues.  Also, thank you to the program for the many great resources that they share with us on a regular basis. 

 

photos by Melissa Engle