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No-Go Zones

 

The populations of the four provinces are convinced that there should be areas where mining is simply prohibited, because of their economic, ecological and socio-cultural importance.


The Rio Blanco project is ecologically unsustainable because of the short and long term impacts in an area of great biological diversity, source region of the Marañón river basin, the main tributary of the Amazon River (provinces of Jaén and San Ignacio).

 

The area's residents have not been consulted by the Peruvian State before it granted mining concessions in this area. In concordance with the international treaties and agreements that Peru has ratified, they have expressed their opposition to any mining activity in their territories, as the results of the 16th September 2007 referendum reflect (held in the districts of Ayabaca, Pacaipampa and El Carmen de la Frontera).


A house in Ayabaca, painted in the mark of the 2007 referendum, saying 'no to mine exploitation'. Photo: Wies Willems

The social conflict generated by the entry of the mining company in these districts has resulted in human rights violations with the sad toll of seven deaths, 28 people tortured and 30 persons facing charges of terrorism so far.


The planned mining activities do not respect the model of development, reflecting the existing culture and identity, as preferred by the local population. There is no need for mining development, they say, because there already exists a alternative for sustainable development that is economically viable in the long term.

An ecotourism guide in the forest of the Jaén province. 
Photo: Wies Willems. 


Women weaving in the province of San Ignacio.
Photo: Wies Willems. 

 

Interesting links: Todo sobre Río Blanco - Servindi - Programa Democracia y Transformación Global - Bajo la lupa - Asociación Guarango  Saberes Nómadas - Perú Support Group

 

 

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