Statement Released Today from Ngabe-Bugle Peoples (Spanish Language)

Comunicado al país

Comarca Ngäbe Bugle, M10

M10 por la defensa de los recursos hídricos y ambientales de la Comarca Ngäbe Bugle y Campesino

El Movimiento 10 de Abril para la Defensa del Rio Tabasara hace conocer al país la decisión en torno a la situación de las comunidades afectadas por el proyecto hidroeléctrico Barro Blanco.  En la que el gobierno viola el artículo 127 de la Constitución y las normas jurídicas de las tierras colectivas y la Comarca Ngäbe Bugle. En vista de la dilatación del proceso del peritaje y el avance arbitrario e impuesto del proyecto Barro Blanco por parte  del gobierno;  violando el espíritu del acuerdo del 15 de marzo del 2012 del proyecto Barro Blanco y obtenido el informe de Verificación de Campo es suficiente para la cancelación inmediata de dicho proyecto por la cual proponemos lo siguiente:

1.     Respecto a las afectaciones causadas por  el proyecto Barro Blanco el gobierno y GENISA aducía que no había comunidades afectadas, ni habría reasentamientos, ni afectaciones de patrimonios culturales, cementerios, sitios sagrados, la cual conllevo a realizar la mesa técnica para la revisión y evaluación del Estudio del Impacto Ambiental (EIA) con carácter de urgencia para reconocer la responsabilidad, seriedad que los consultores de la empresa hicieron del levantamiento de la información del EIA (Acuerdo firmado el 15 de marzo 2012).

2.     Por lo cual exigimos la cancelación inmediata del proyecto hidroeléctrico Barro Blanco.

3.     Por consiguiente también solicitamos la derogación del proyecto de ley 504 y la suspensión de los proyectos hidroeléctricos en la comarca, áreas anexas y áreas campesinas. Ejemplo, Chan 2, Tabasara 2, San Pablo, Rio Cobre, El estrecho de Viguí, Rio Fonseca, Rio Chorcha, Rio San Félix,  el Rio Rey y otros proyectos que se pretende a realizar en el país

4.     Las comunidades afectadas responsabilizan al gobierno holandés y sus bancos asociados (FMO, DEG y BCIE) como responsables de las afectaciones socio-ambientales y los derechos de los pueblos indígenas y las represiones que están sufriendo la población por parte del gobierno panameño.

5.     Pedimos el apoyo a las organizaciones solidarias de diferentes puntos de la nación que se unan a nuestra lucha y las bases organizadas a nivel nacional.

Dado en la comunidad de Cerro Venado, Corregimiento de Bakama a las 11 horas del día 17 de marzo del 2013

Movimiento 10 de Abril, Congreso y Organizaciones

“sin lucha no hay victoria”

Rough Translation:

M10 for the defense of water resources and environmental Ngäbe Bugle and Peasant

The April 10 Movement for the Defense of Rio Tabasara know the country makes the decision about the situation of communities affected by the Barro Blanco hydroelectric project. In the government violates Article 127 of the Constitution and the legislation of collective lands and Bugle Ngäbe. In view of the expansion of the survey process and progress and imposed arbitrary Barro Blanco project by the government, violating the spirit of the agreement of March 15, 2012 Barro Blanco project and obtained the field verification report is sufficient to immediate cancellation of the project for which we propose the following:

1.      With respect to the damages caused by the Barro Blanco project GENISA government and argued that there were communities affected, nor would relocations, or encumbrances of cultural heritage, cemeteries, sacred sites, which ultimately led to perform the technical committee for review and assessment Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as a matter of urgency to recognize the responsibility seriously as business consultants made ​​the gathering of information from EIA (Agreement signed on March 15, 2012).

2.      Therefore we demand the immediate cancellation of the Barro Blanco hydroelectric project.

3.      Therefore we also request the repeal of Bill 504 and the suspension of the hydroelectric projects in the region, surrounding areas and rural areas. Example, Chan 2, Tabasara 2, San Pablo, Rio Cobre, Vigui Strait , Rio Fonseca, Chorcha Rio, Rio San Felix Rey River and other projects that are intended to make at home

4.      Affected communities blame the Dutch government and its partner banks (FMO, DEG and BCIE) as responsible for the damages socio-environmental and indigenous peoples' rights and the repression that people are suffering from the Panamanian government.

5.      We support solidarity organizations from different parts of the nation to join in our struggle and organized nationwide basis.

Since the community of Cerro Venado, Township of Bakama at 11 hours a day March 17, 2013

April 10th Movement, Congress and Organizations

"Without struggle there is no victory"

March 18th FILM and Update on Panama & Barrio Blanco

From: Richard Arghiris <richardarghiris@hotmail.com>
Subject: Indigenous communities under threat
To: "undisclosed recipients"

 Date: Monday, March 18, 2013, 12:36 PM

Dear all,

I would like to share some news regarding the plight of several indigenous Ngabe and campesino communities who are under extreme threat from illegal dam development out here in Panama.

In less than two months, the 28.85 megawatt Barro Blanco hydroelectric dam will cut off the flow of the Tabasara river and create a 258 hectare reservoir, flooding numerous homes, precious gallery forests, schools, churches, cemeteries, archaeological sites, and fertile agricultural land that the communities rely upon for subsistence agriculture – these facts have been confirmed by a recent UN field study. The dam will also exterminate vital fish species which form a staple of local diets.

The company responsible for the dam, Genisa, denies it is taking food out of the mouths of Panama’s poorest people, yet it has never consulted any of the affected communities. As such, the project contravenes international and national laws.

Despite striking omissions in the project's environmental impact assessment, the Panamanian government continues to side with the company and are currently militarising the area with heavily armed SENAFRONT police troops. Recent clashes with riot squads have left some Ngabe protesters with injuries and the situation remains tense. We are concerned about the on-going safety of the Ngabe as they appear to be willing to sacrifice their own lives to prevent the completion of this project.

I would be extremely grateful if you could take some time to watch and share a recently released 40 minute documentary (links below), Nagare Barro Blanco, filmed in the indigenous and campesino settlements of Kia, Nuevo Palomar, and Calabacito in February 2013. It explores the endangered culture of the Tabasará communities, their fierce resistance to dam development, and their willingness to protect their natural resources and way of life at any cost. I realise some of you are very busy, but fortunately the makers have also released a 2 minute trailer.

Thank you for your time,

Richard Arghiris

NAGARE BARRO BLANCO - 2 MINUTE TRAILER:http://vimeo.com/62037639
NAGARE BARRO BLANCO - FULL FILM: http://vimeo.com/61954954

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http://richardarghiris.com

http://unseenamericas.com

Video & Petition to Stop Barrio Blanco Dam by Indigenous Ngabe

Urgent Request for Action from Panama

[From MPT partner organization for operations in Panama, 
Collective Voices for Peace, Director Diane Dunn]

I just signed the following petition -- 

Ngabe-Bugle Request Solidarity to Halt Barro Blanco Hydroelectric Project, Panama

Will you join me?

Click here to find out more and sign: http://bit.ly/ZF8dtt

Thanks so much,

Diane Dunn

Collective Voices for Peace


Please visit this link to the high definition version of the video
about the current critical situation with the Barrio Blanco Dam:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dquMJKjvask&feature=youtu.be

For more information on the Panama/Ngobe IACHR Hearing: Resources Link

For more information on the March 21st, 2012 IACHR hearing on this matter, you can visit:

http://www.oas.org/en/iachr/media_center/coverage.asp

Hearing for the Ngobe at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in DC

For Immediate Release                                                                                                                 March 21, 2012

Contacts:

Osvaldo Jordan, Alianza para la Conservación y el Desarollo, osvaldojordanpanama@yahoo.com

Christine Halvorson, Rainforest Foundation US, christineh@rffny.org, cel: 646 265 0342

Diane Dunn, Collective Voices for Peace, cel: 951 224 7273

Indigenous leaders travel to Washington DC to defend collective land rights in Panama

Four representatives from the Ngäbe and Wounaan peoples will participate in a hearing at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights on March 23, 2012.

Washington, DC:  A delegation of indigenous representatives and human rights specialists from Panama will be in Washington DC to participate in a hearing before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) this Friday, March 23, 2012.  The delegation includes Ngobe leaders Adelaida Miranda from the Tabasará River, Pedro Abrego from the Changuinola District and Feliciano Santos from the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, all in Western Panama, and Leonides Quiroz, a Wounaan lawyer from Eastern Panama. 

Although Panama has enjoyed a good international reputation due to its recognition of comarcas, or semi-autonomous indigenous territories, over fifty indigenous communities across the country do not yet have any recognition of their traditional lands.  This situation has led to invasions by settlers, ranchers, and loggers, resulting in environmental degradation and sometimes violent clashes.  It is further compounded because even communities who do have their lands recognized remain vulnerable to invasions by outsiders, with no protection from the State.  Mining projects and hydroelectric dams that will affect indigenous lands are being planned with no consultation with the affected communities.  A number of laws protecting indigenous lands and natural resources have been repealed, including those obligating the state to obtain free, prior and informed consent prior to carrying out infrastructure development projects affecting indigenous peoples.

During the hearing, the four indigenous representatives from different parts of Panama will have the opportunity to express how their lives have been affected by Panama’s lack of recognition of their collective lands.  They will also discuss how this has impacted the rights of Panama’s indigenous peoples – the Bribri, Naso, Ngäbe, Bukle, Kuna, Emberá and Wounaan - to a healthy and ecologically balanced environment, to health, family, and traditional culture.  According to Adelaida Miranda, a Ngäbe woman who will be participating in the hearing: "The Government always talks about security – but where is ours?  We're going to run out of water ... they do not want to accept that we are living beings." 

Although indigenous leaders have sought dialogue with the Panamanian government, history has shown a recurring lack of willingness on the part of the authorities.  A clear example of this includes the failure to implement the 1976 Farallon Agreement on the construction of the Bayano Hydroelectric Dam – which itself is the subject of a hearing at the IACHR scheduled on March 23rd (Case 12.354 – Kuna of Mandungandí and Emberá of Bayano Peoples).  Other examples include the lack of implementation of Law 10 that created the Ngobe-Bugle Comarca in 1997, and the very recent failure of the 2011 San Felix Accords.  As a result of these failures and the lack of respect of their rights, indigenous peoples in Panama fear that their demands and mobilizations will be responded to violently.  Indeed, this occurred just this past February, during Ngäbe protests against mining; official sources report two deaths and dozens of injuries, as well as sexual assaults committed by the National Police. 

The hearing at the IACHR will serve to provide the Commission with written materials documenting the situation in Panama.  The participants will request the IACHR to issue recommendations to the state in its annual report, and to publish a special report on the right to collective lands by indigenous peoples in Panama.

For any further information or to schedule an interview with the indigenous representatives traveling to Washington, please contact:

Osvaldo Jordan                                                                                                   Christine Halvorson

Alianza para la Conservación y el Desarollo, Panama                             Rainforest Foundation US

osvaldojordanpanama@yahoo.com                                                         christineh@rffny.org www.acdpanama.org                                                                                    cel: 646 265 0342

                                                                                                                www.rainforestfoundation.org

Press release issued by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights regarding February protests: http://www.oas.org/en/iachr/media_center/PReleases/2012/013.asp

Press release issued by the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: http://unsr.jamesanaya.org/notes/special-rapporteur-calls-for-dialogue-in-climate-of-increasing-social-tension-in-panama

Pressure Facing Ngobe on 15th Anniversary of Autonomous Region

On Wednesday, March 7, the MPTers were invited to ascend the mountains of western Panama to the Ngäbe-Buglé capital of Tugri to celebrate with the Ngäbe-Buglé the date marking fifteen years since the establishment of their Comarca, or autonomous region (similar to a reservation). That morning, we crowded into the back of a pick-up truck with about 15 other people and drove into the clouds. As the temperature dropped from 99 to 65, the moisture in the air turned to rain, and the wind threatened to knock us over, our majestic surroundings left us awe-struck. (We were later humbled to discover that many of the Ngäbe-Buglé themselves had walked to the celebration, some families taking as many as twelve hours to get there.)

Each March, the Ngäbe-Buglé gather for several days not only to celebrate, but also to take the opportunity to talk about important issues facing the community. This year, the mood was dampened slightly by the serious pressure put on them by the government to make concessions to companies who want to build several hydroelectric dams and mines around the Comarca, pressure that is unfortunately contributing to divisions within the community. 

Tradional Dancers

The dams, the companies claim, will enable Panama to produce their own energy, making Panamanians wealthier and bringing prosperity to all. Many Panamanians believe this claim, and are therefore in favor of the dams. The Ngäbe-Buglé , on the other hand, after consulting lawyers and environmentalists who have dug more deeply into the situation, have discovered that Panama currently produces more energy than it uses, so the dams are unnecessary for the use alleged by the companies. The indigenous tribe argues that the dams will benefit only the companies, who have many ties to the Panamanian government, and not Panamanians. The companies, who will have the right to do whatever they wish with the rivers they will own for a contracted time - up to 50 years in some cases - likely plan to sell energy to other countries at a profit for themselves. They will also have the right to bottle and sell the water they collect on the comarca. The Ngäbe-Buglé have also been researching the inevitable pollution that will come from the dams, which could leave them without clean water on their own land.

In the negotiations process, the Ngäbe-Buglé have much in their favor. According to international law, the Panamanian government was supposed to abide by a strict consultation process with the Ngäbe-Buglé before selling their land to any company. While the government did speak with a few indigenous people before making a deal with the hydroelectric companies, it did not come close to following the standard process. The Ngäbe-Buglé are hopeful that this will give them much leverage in an international court.

For many Ngäbe-Buglé, the talks with the government have been going too slowly, with not enough concrete results, and they are becoming impatient. Many do not trust that the negotiations will be successful in protecting their land and way of life. Silvia Carerra, the Cacique (figurehead and leader),on the other hand, is pushing ahead with the dialogues. She fears that if the talks break down, violence could break out all over Panama, resulting in many deaths of her people. 

Silvia Carrera

 It was in such an atmosphere of tension that MPT was invited to Panama to do observation as a form of nonviolent intervention. The Ngäbe-Buglé  leadership was aware that talks with the government could disintegrate at any moment, and desired to have international observers at the ready should the situation erupt in violence. Thankfully, due to the skilled leadership of Carerra and the recent involvement of the UN (which took some action after the police violence against Ngäbe-Buglé demonstrators last week), the talks have continued relatively peacefully, and MPT has not been asked to intervene. Instead, we have been building relationships with those involved in the situation and learning more of the complexities. We are currently in dialogue about the possibility of organizing a future training that would combine several days of instruction in human rights law and several days of nonviolent skill-sharing and strategy-building.

Report from Parque Legislativo



**All of the statistics and statements written below were recounted to us via translation from the interviewees to whom we spoke. Errors in the translation and our understanding are possible, and we apologize in advance as such.**

Sunday we visited the some of the Ngobe protesters in Parque Legislativo in front of the Asamblea Nacional. The park is raised above the two busy streets bordered by the Pan-American Highway on one side, and in back by a wrought iron fence enclosing the Assembly complex (a several story office building, parking lot, and an under construction parking garage.)

Protesters have been occupying the park for nearly a month, since the latest discussions of developing hydroelectric and mining resources on the comarca have begun. The Ngobe representatives we spoke with there were very clear in their articulation of their struggle as one with national and international consequences.

“The comarca is the land of the country, “ said one man we spoke with. “The environment is calling us to protect it.” At Barro Blanco, one of the more contentious projects under discussion, the water collected in one day at the proposed hydroelectric plant is more than the Ngobe people would use in 10 years at their current level of activity (see here for more information on the temporary suspension of the project until further environmental review).  Protesters cited the statistic that 30% of national water supply is located within the bounds of the comarca - here the water is clean and healthy, they explained. Out of all the water in Panama, 60% is polluted, making a swift resolution to the hydroelectric negotiation between the federal government and the Ngobe leadership a matter of national significance.

On an international scale, Bernardo Bejardo enumerated for us the consequences of development on the comarca. Leveling the forest to make way for the construction of development projects will deplete all of the natural resources used by pharmacists to create medicines the world over. The prevalence of skin cancers will increase with less forest coverage to protect people from exposure to the sun´s UV rays. And with fewer trees to process the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by natural and man-made means, the deforestation needed to complete these development projects will contribute to global warming.

Beyond the harm to the environment and the Ngobe way of life that these development projects would cause, the Ngobe explained their protest as one of human rights. The Ngobe leadership undertakes a careful consultation process when handing down decisions, the protesters explained, filtering decisions through the Cassique and Congresa before coming to the national Panamanian goverment with their demands. Protesters claim that the government has no respect for this process, preferring to draw up international private contracts with corporations rather than consulting their constituents. “The Panamanian people do not support construction,” the protesters claimed. “Clear information never comes to the people.”

As for abuses immediately within their community, protesters cited several cases of violence under a government trying to repress their pleas for observation of Panamanian law and the Ngobe´s human rights. Showing us a dozen pellets that were fired on their encampment in the park, protesters told story after story of brutal injuries inflicted upon them. Two parents spoke with us about their 17-year-old son who had been hospitalized due to buckshot wounds in his leg that had to be operated on. “The government used firearms against the protesters and they deny it,” the protesters told us.

Bernardo concluded out time together telling us “I am not sad I was arrested [during my time protesting], I am happy because I am fighting for our rights. Despite my arrest, I feel that I am doing the right thing”

Read here for more local news from the park in Spanish.