Prohibiting Hydropower would be to commit suicide

The trigger for the current confrontation between the Panamanian government and the indigenous Ngäbe Bugle group is the elimination of Article 5 of Bill 394, which prohibits not only mining but also hydro stations "not only in Ngäbe Bugle, but in any surrounding areas anywhere in the country where this ethnic group is present."

The adoption in the first instance of that bill, without the controversial Article 5, has resulted in the mobilization of indigenous peoples, who together with members of the union of construction workers have blocked the Interamericana highway and other local roads, paralyzing national and international transport, causing serious damage to the economy and Panama’s image for tourism, due to the international repercussions of the event where foreign travelers were virtually kidnapped during the 5 days when the blockade was in place.

On the morning of Sunday 5th February, government riot police forcibly evicted the protesters, freeing the road to traffic, in incidents that left at least one dead and dozens injured.

Source: Sindicato de Industriales de Panamá

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Consequences of Canceling Hydroelectric Projects

February 2012

The cancellation of licenses for hydroelectric projects in the Ngäbe Bugle region will lead to complex law suits against the State of Panama.

Leaders of the National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP), from Panama, have expressed opposition to the suspension of construction projects for hydroelectric plants, as insisted on by Ngäbe-Bugle Indians.

NO to mining concessions, hydroelectric power plants to be discussed

February 2012

Indigenous groups, the government and ministers have come to a consensus to ban mining, and will discuss the issue of hydropower stations within the Ngäbes Bugle territory.

Representatives of the indigenous Ngäbes Bugle tribe, ministers and government officials agreed to discuss Bill 415, which was approved in the first instance last week, with the exclusion of Article 5.

Hydroelectric Megaplant at Risk in Costa Rica

April 2011

Complaints by indigenous natives from the El Diquís area are jeopardizing the project.

The native peoples in the area where the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) intends to develop a mega hydroelectric power generation say their land has been usurped without right.

Banning Hydroelectric Stations Unacceptable

February 2012

Businesses in Panama are strongly opposed to the cancellation of the construction of hydroelectric stations and are asking to participate in a dialogue on the subject.

The National Business Council (Conep) said that the cancelation of constructions of hydroelectric plants in the Ngäbe Bugle region and surrounding areas would affect legal certainty, generate incalculable losses and jeopardize the future of the country.