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WORLD RAINFOREST MOVEMENT
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APPEAL FOR URGENT ACTION (ERM STATUS:GOYA)
11 JULY 1991
PANAMA
KUNA INDIANS TAKE UP ARMS AGAINST SETTLERS: VIOLENCE FEARED
We have just learned that a serious conflict has developed in
the Bayano region of central Panama. The Indians fear that the
issue could escalate and that the armed forces may intervene in
a heavy handed manner. Please send faxes to the Panamanian
President urging restraint, a peaceful resolution of the
conflict and a respect for the Kuna Indians' rights to land.
*Background*
The approximately 3,000 Kuna Indians of the Bayano region have
long had possession of a substantial forested area in the
critical watershed of the Bayano reservoir. The area of 2,073
Km2 was declared as the 'Reserva Kuna de Madungandi' in 1932.
Its area presently encloses 10 Kuna communities.
The main problem that the Reserve has faced was partial
inundation by the creation of the hydro dam at El Puente on the
edge of the reserve. The dam flooded 180 km2 of the reserve.
Although only four villages had to relocate, they lost most of
the fertile valley land. Compensation for flooded tree crops
was paid but the Indians had difficulty re-establishing their
tree crops (coffee) on the weaker, more acidic hillside soils.
Since then they have had two further conflicts. The first
concerned loggers who were extracting timber from the reserve
but whom the Indians have managed to expel. The second conflict
which came to a head in 1982 was with settlers who started
encroaching on the western end of the reserve. After several
shoot outs, the settlers were eventually obliged to stop their
incursions.
However, pressure on the Reserve has recently intensified.
According to press accounts, the Indians have mobilised against
new incursions and taken up arms to defend their lands. With
the situation at flash point there are fears that the
Government could overreact. The Indians have appealed for
international support and that faxes be sent to the Panamanian
President.
In response, the WRM has sent the following fax and we ask you
to do likewise:
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Presidente de la Republica de Panama
Fax transmission: + 507 27 41 40
URGENT
WE HAVE BEEN MOST ALARMED TO LEARN OF THE ESCALATION OF
CONFLICT BETWEEN THE KUNA INDIANS OF BAYANO, WHO LEGITIMATELY
OCCUPY THEIR LANDS WITHIN THE RESERVA INDIGENA DE MADUNGANDI,
AND SETTLERS WHO HAVE ALLEGEDLY INVADED THEIR LANDS.
WE URGE THAT THE GOVERNMENT OF PANAMA ACTS WITH RESTRAINT TO
RESOLVE THIS ISSUE AND IN A MANNER THAT SECURES THE CONTROL AND
OWNERSHIP OF THE KUNA INDIANS TO THEIR LANDS.
WE LOOK FORWRAD TO LEARNING HOW YOU PLAN TO DEAL WITH THIS
MATTER.
YOURS SINCERELY
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For further information contact the Consultoria Indigena:
+ 507 63 88 79