PBI-Guatemala accompanies the Peaceful Resistance of the Poqomam People in Chinautla as Ministry of Environment visits

Published by Brent Patterson on January 16, 2025

On January 15, PBI-Guatemala posted on Instagram:

“A week ago PBI accompanied the Peaceful Resistance of the Poqomam People in Chinautla. They received a visit from the Ministry of Environment to review 7 water sources that are contaminated, mainly due to the activities of sand mining companies in the territory that operate with expired licenses.

The members of the Resistance asked the public official that the report of the Ministry of Environment reflect the reality of water pollution in Chinautla and that it be transferred to the Ministry of Energy and Mines, with the objective of paralyzing the extractive activity in the territory, canceling the current licenses and preventing the granting of new ones.

Despite the difficulties they face, the Poqomam people of Chinautla remain committed to protecting the territory and the rights to water and sanitation.”

Since 1989, the Peaceful Resistance of the Poqomán People in Chinautla (in Spanish – la Resistencia pacífica del pueblo Poqomam en Chinautla) have been defending their right to be consulted on the activities of various clay extraction companies operating in their territory (Arenera La Primavera, Arenera El Pino, Piedrinera San Luis and San Fernando Arenera). They are also defending their territory against the pollution caused by other businesses operating in the region.

PBI-Canada visited Chinautla in May 2023.

In April 2024, the 16-year-old son of Maya-Poqomam leader opposed to sand extraction in Chinautla, Guatemala killed by gunmen.

PBI-Guatemala received a request for accompaniment from the Peaceful Resistance of the Poqomán People in Chinautla, as they have been subject to attacks and criminalization.

PBI-Guatemala began accompanying them in December 2018.