Article by Hazel Guardado at The World Post (HuffPo): Nicaragua's Proposed Interoceanic Canal: A Threat to the Environment and Indigenous Rights
Some excerpts: "Because the route would pass through such a vast area of land, one of the main concerns is the displacement of indigenous peoples who have been living in those lands since before the Spanish conquest. Danish NGO Forests of the World warns that "the canal is to be built through the Rama and Kriol territory, fragmenting it into two parts." No formal discussions have taken place with indigenous peoples, and there are concerns about 'inclusion, participation, and receiving their fair share if the canal were to traverse their territory.' Though indigenous groups have appealed to the Inter-American Commission Human rights, 'citing violations of Nicaraguan law and international labour standards,' it is unclear whether their complaints will result in concessions by the Nicaraguan government."
"There are also major environmental concerns about the project. Experts estimate that the canal and the secondary projects that would accompany it would 'transform wetlands into dry zones, remove hardwood forests, and destroy the habitats of animals including those of the coastal, air, land, and freshwater zones.' The lake is a major source of drinking water and part of a delicate ecosystem that could be destroyed with the canal and the risk of oil-spill contamination. In addition, the canal would cut through two UNESCO biosphere reserves that house endangered species like the jaguar, tapir, sea turtles, and great green macaw."
One of the canal's supporters claimed that it would create 200,000 jobs after completion. This is ridiculous.
One of the commenters on the article pointed out that one of the Chinese companies involved, CCCC, has been blacklisted by the World Bank.