The Nicaragua Canal is a Controversial Proposal
by Lucy Ji, age 16
President Ortega of
Nicaragua has a vision of creating a cross-country shipping canal much like the
Panama Canal. In June, Hong Kong Nicaragua Canal Development Investment Company
was given approval to build the $40-billion structure.
The company is
enthusiastic about this canal. It would shorten the distance of cargo ship
routes, help large businesses and bring money into Nicaragua. Although
Nicaraguan lawmakers share this enthusiasm for the project, important
details about its implementation have not been released.
Past proposals offered two
possible construction sites: along the San Juan River or through a large
drainage area. Both sites are contentious. There are land disputes over the San
Juan River area due to several binding international treaties. The creation of
the canal would require each treaty’s approval. The drainage area on the other
hand, supports most of the country’s farmable land. If this area were destroyed,
the country would lose a valuable source of water, which would directly affect
agricultural production.
Many experts are doubtful
of the project. “It’s not going to happen, that was my first reaction,” said
Noel Maurer, an associate professor at the Harvard Business School who has
studied the Panama Canal. A pipe dream might be too strong, but I would just
consider it a really bad investment.”
Experts are also hesitant about
environmental impacts of the project, such as destruction of natural habitat
and losing a sustainable water supply. This project would destroy over 180
miles of tropical rain forest, more than three times as much land than was lost
during the construction of the Panama Canal. Massive amounts of water would have
to be constantly pumped into the canal to support the weight of the freight
ships.
Protest groups are forming
already, including The Movement for Nicaragua, a coalition of civil-society
groups, stating “Nicaragua isn’t for sale. Nicaragua belongs to all Nicaraguans
and isn’t the private property of Ortega and his family.”
Although the project was approved,
many believe the chances of success are slim.
[Source:
The
New York Times
]
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