Journal article
Scientists raise alarms about fast tracking of transoceanic canal through Nicaragua
Environmental science & technology, Vol.49(7), pp.3989-3996
04/07/2015
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b00215
PMID: 25730497
Abstract
Seeking economic growth and job creation to tackle the nation's extreme poverty, the Nicaraguan government awarded a concession to build an interoceanic canal and associated projects to a recently formed Hong Kong based company with no track record or related expertise. This concession was awarded without a bidding process and in advance of any feasibility, socio-economic or environmental impact assessments; construction has begun without this information. The 278 km long interoceanic canal project may result in significant environmental and social impairments. Of particular concern are damage to Lake Cocibolca, a unique freshwater tropical lake and Central America's main freshwater reservoir; damage to regional biodiversity and ecosystems; and socio-economic impacts. Concerned about the possibly irreparable damage to the environment and to native communities, conservationists and the scientific community at large are urging the Nicaraguan government to devise and reveal an action plan to address and mitigate the possible negative repercussions of this interoceanic canal and associated projects. Critical research needs for preparation of a comprehensive benefit-cost analysis for this megaproject are presented.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Scientists raise alarms about fast tracking of transoceanic canal through Nicaragua
- Creators
- Jorge A Huete-Pérez - ⚲Academy of Sciences of Nicaragua, Managua, NicaraguaPedro J J Alvarez - ⚲Academy of Sciences of Nicaragua, Managua, NicaraguaJerald L Schnoor - §Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United StatesBruce E Rittmann - ∥School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United StatesAnthony Clayton - ⊥Institute For Sustainable Development, Mona Campus, Mona, JamaicaMaria L Acosta - #Center for Legal Assistance to Indigenous Peoples, CALPI, Bluefields, NicaraguaCarlos E M Bicudo - ∇Institute of Botany, São Paulo State Department of Environment, São Paulo, BrazilMary T K Arroyo - ○Instituto de Ecologia y Biodiversidad, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, ChileMichael T Brett - ◆Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United StatesVictor M Campos - ¶Centro Alexander von Humboldt, Managua, NicaraguaHernan Chaimovich - ∞Instituto de Química, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, BrasilBlanca Jimenez-Cisneros - ⊗National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, MexicoAlan Covich - ⧓Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602-2202, United StatesLuiz D Lacerda - ☼Institute of Marine Sciences, Universidade de Federal do Cearza, Fortaleza, BrazilJean-Michel Maes - ⚲Academy of Sciences of Nicaragua, Managua, NicaraguaJulio C Miranda - ★CH2M HILL, San José, California 45242, United StatesSalvador Montenegro-Guillén - ⟁Centro para la Investigación en Recursos Acuáticos, UNAN, Managua, NicaraguaManuel Ortega-Hegg - ⚲Academy of Sciences of Nicaragua, Managua, NicaraguaGerald R Urquhart - %Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United StatesKatherine Vammen - ⟁Centro para la Investigación en Recursos Acuáticos, UNAN, Managua, NicaraguaLuis Zambrano - ⧳Instituto de Biología, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Environmental science & technology, Vol.49(7), pp.3989-3996
- Publisher
- United States
- DOI
- 10.1021/acs.est.5b00215
- PMID
- 25730497
- ISSN
- 0013-936X
- eISSN
- 1520-5851
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 04/07/2015
- Academic Unit
- Civil and Environmental Engineering; Occupational and Environmental Health
- Record Identifier
- 9983997420502771
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