On February 15, PBI-Honduras tweeted: “PBI accompanies ASODEBICOQ in the delivery of several proposals to the new mayor of the municipality of Quimistán (Santa Bárbara). We highlight the organization’s effort to protect the micro-watersheds to conserve the environment and defend the rivers.”

Last month, PBI-Honduras also tweeted: “Today, we are following the judicial process against defenders criminalized for their legitimate defense against the Santa Lucía I (Sta. Bárbara) hydroelectric plant. We highlight [the Association for the Defense of Common Goods of Quimistan] ASODEBICOQ’s efforts to protect the environment.”

In February 2019, Radio Progreso reported that the department of Santa Bárbara is “threatened by more than 15 hydroelectric projects and 23 concessions for mining.”

That article notes: “In the municipality of Quimistán, there is an imminent danger from the installation of the Santa Lucia hydroelectric dam, which is advanced by 90%. And, despite the fact that there is a strong rejection by the population, they currently intend to build a second hydroelectric dam also on the Cuyagual River.”

ASODEBICOQ is opposed to the construction of the Santa Lucia I and Santa Lucia II dams. It has called on the Government of Honduras to stop construction of the dams because the project violates the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989, an International Labour Organization Convention, also known as ILO-convention 169.

PBI-Honduras has accompanied ASODEBICOQ since May 2018.

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    Honduras