Blessing or curse? petroleum exploration in the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua

Abstract

The curse of oil, cause of progress and wars, is now the cause of renewed fervor in the Caribbean Basin. Since the 1940s, oil exploration has targeted the terrestrial areas and continental shelf of the Caribbean region of Nicaragua. This study presents a longitudinal analysis of the process of oil concessions in the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua, combining a review of relevant documents and observations made by indigenous leaders from the coastal areas of the autonomous regions in stakeholder meetings on oil development held in the cities of Bluefields and Bilwi.