The Impact of Nicaragua's Grand Interocean Channel Act on Nicaragua's Indigenous and Afro-Descendant Peoples

Abstract

Nicaraguan state currently promotes the greatest megaproject in contemporary world history, the Grand Interoceanic Canal of Nicaragua. On 13 June 2013, Nicaragua's National Assembly has approved its concession to the Hong Kong Nicaragua Business Development ("HKND"), without consulting the indigenous and black peoples. On 7 July 2014, HKND and the government of Nicaragua announced the Canal route and the construction planning of several sub-projects, which harms indigenous communities in the Isthmus of Rivas, the Pacific Ocean coasts and the Gran Lago de Nicaragua or Cocibolca: Salinas de Nahualapa, Nancimí, Veracruz del Zapotal, Urbaite de las Pilas y San Jorge Nicaraocalí. They also announced the construction of a deep-water port in the territory of the Kriol community of Monkey Point and Rama, Punta de Águila/Bangkukuk Tai, endangering the life of the last speakers of the Rama language. According to international standards, state must act in good faith during consultation and provide technical information and previous studies to the people involved. It must report the impacts that the project may cause; promote effective participation of indigenous people through a process of dialogue and discussion according to their customs and traditions; and agree on shared benefits as a compensation for using their territories and natural resources. All this must be done in order to reach free, prior and informed consent of these peoples and communities.