Ngöbe Protesters March to Capital City

Last week several dozen Ngöbe protesters set off from their villages in western Panama to Panama City to call attention to their message of environmentally and socially responsible development. The Ngöbe are facing many challenges to their way of life and right of self-determination from irresponsible open-pit mining ventures, hydroelectric projects, and large-scale tourist projects. Ngöbe leaders say that many of these ventures, including the Cerro Chorcha mine, are illegal and were approved in violation of laws requiring the informed consent of local communities and environmental impact assessments. The activists say that they want development that benefits their communities, protects the environment, and respects the rights of Panama's indigenous peoples.

The marchers will arrive in Panama City on October 6, kicking off a week of events to raise awareness about issues affecting the Ngöbe. The events will culminate in a march to the presidential palace on October 12.

More on the march: http://www.thepanamanews.com/pn/v_15/issue_15/news_07.html