Panama strikes deal with Indians on dam building
Mar 16, 2012, 11:47 PM
PANAMA CITY (AP) – Indian leaders in Panama have reached an agreement with the government on limiting dam building on Indian lands.
The deal would require approval from tribal councils for any dam construction on lands within the territories of the Ngobe Bugle Indians and two other groups. Some projects would require a referendum of Indian communities.
Indian leader Silvia Carrera said Friday the agreement will be submitted to her people for their review.
Some Indians had wanted a total ban on dams, and protests against the potential opening of Indian lands to such projects sparked large protests in January that blocked the Pan-American Highway.
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