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News / 6 July 2016

Dutch and German development banks discuss Barro Blanco project in Panama

Representatives of the Dutch and the German development banks (FMO and DEG) are in Panama today to discuss the future of the controversial Barro Blanco project with the government. Last May, the locks of the dam were closed to test the dam, in complete breach of all previous agreements. Part of the surrounding land is now flooded and some residents might soon have to be evacuated. Both ENDS, together with seven other organisations sent a letter to the directors of the two banks, urging them to assume their responsibilities as investors in the project.

The letter also calls upon the banks to push the Panamanian government to immediately stop the ‘flood tests’ and to repair the damage already done. In addition, future decisions concerning the project should be based on the voices of all local communities involved. Banks should properly monitor whether rules and agreements are complied with and they should send an independent fact-finding mission to the country.

 

For more information:

The letter to FMO and DEG

Report of National Human Rights Coalition of Panama (In Spanish)

 

More news on this matter on the Both ENDS website: 

2 June 2016: Indigenous land submerged by illegal closure of dam

1 June 2015: FMO did not follow its own rules in financing Barro Blanco dam

18 May 2015: Dutch FMO pushed Panama to continue construction Barro Blanco dam  

6 May 2015: Construction of Barro Blanco dam will be resumed

11 Feb 2015: Construction Barro Blanco dam finally suspended

7 May 2014: Complaint against FMO on grievance mechanism.org

3 March 2014:  Parliamentary questions about construction Barro Blanco dam in Panama

18 Feb 2014:  Situation tense for indigenous Ngäbe people near Barro Blanco dam

14 Feb 2014:  Filing a complaint with the FMO?

19 June 2013: Will VN-rapporteur James Anaya investigate Barro Blanco dam in Panama?

 

Background information on Barro Blanco can be found here.

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