After many weeks of protests, road closures and debates between the parties, we have an agreement, or should I say the agreement du jour.  While I tend to agree on the  position that the “as planned” open pit copper mine should be out of the question here in Panama,  I do not agree with the position on banning hydro here in Panama.  There are middle grounds that can be negotiated and it seems difficult at times to understand why this cannot be finalized once and for all.  This in form ABC news.

Indian leaders in Panama have reached an agreement with the government on limiting dam building on Indian lands.

The deal would require approval from tribal councils for any dam construction on lands within the territories of the Ngobe Bugle Indians and two other groups. Some projects would require a referendum of Indian communities.

Indian leader Silvia Carrera said Friday the agreement will be submitted to her people for their review.

Some Indians had wanted a total ban on dams, and protests against the potential opening of Indian lands to such projects sparked large protests in January that blocked the Pan-American Highway.

Here is a post I did last week on the subject of hydro here in Panama.

Panama Energy Demand Close to the limit

Don Winner at the Panama Guide posted this article this week.  I find his comment interesting.

Protesting Ngabe Indians Close Road To AES Changuinola Hydroelectric Project

A group of people closed the access road to the AES Changuinola Hydroelectric project, for the fourth consecutive day, demanding payments of “compensation for life” for the creation of the project. The protest, carried out mostly by indigenous Ngäbe Indians, seeks to limit access to hydroelectric project by workers, and to halt the advance of the construction. A committee representing about 500 people affected by the failure to pay expected to hold meetings with representatives of the project, however, they reported negotiations have been procrastinating, since few have benefited from the payment. On the other hand, in the province of Bocas del Toro, to date, there have been no reported road closures. (Panama America)

I am not sure about his next comment but it would be interesting to verify this.

Editor’s Comment: And the Indians were holding up signs saying “Screw The Environment – We Want More Money!” Well, at least now they’re being honest.