Tough talks ahead on hydroelectric plans in indigenous homelands

Achieving a solution to the mining and hydroelectricity challenges in and around  the Chiriqui homelands of the Ngäbe Bugle is not going to be an easy task.

The special committee  set up for a round table discussion between the representatives of  the indigenous community resumes its discussions on Monday, Feb. 27.

On Saturday Ausencio Palacio, general secretary of the Coordinating Committee for the Protection of Natural Resources and the Rights of Peasants and the Bugle Ngäbe people said:  "We are expecting  that the Government  will accept our proposal and we can reach a consensus to end the crisis." He said that during the recess,  he consulted with the bases of Changuinola, Pueblo Nuevo, San Felipe, Vigui, Bare Hill, San Lorenzo, Soloy and others, on the issue.

All  of the communities  requested the cancellation of hydroelectric projects, said the indigenous leader.

Palacio also said that while "we are in the dialog must respect the agreement of San Lorenzo, signed on February 7  so there will be no demonstrations or protests in the streets."

Meanwhile Ngäbe Buglé General Congress President Edilberto Sánchez and other indigenous leaders gathered in David on Saturday  to discuss reforms that they hope will allow them to be included in the ongoing dicussions.

The Chiriquí Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture has come up with its own proposals that would will include  the lowering of the height of the proposed dam on the Tabasará River to  lessen the impact on downstream communities.

The chamber has also suggested that the government launch programs that will use funds from hydro projects to finance sustainable farming projects that will directly benefit the inhabitants of the region.