Last week, Global Response partner SATIIM (Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management) reported that the Texas based US Capital Energy company has returned to the Sarstoon Temash National Park in Belize, without explanation or permission from the Indigenous communities nor from SATIIM, who manage the national park.
In 2006, Global Response launched a campaign to stop oil development in Sarstoon Temash National Park in Belize, where the government had issued licensees for oil exploration to five companies, including US Capital Energy. In October of 2007, the Mayan communities in the area won a landmark victory over the company when they were ruled to hold collective and individual rights of ownership over their traditional lands which include the Sarstoon Temash Park area, constituting property rights under Belize law. The government was ordered to cease issuing land titles, leases or permits and licenses that allow outsiders use of the lands or their resources without consulting the villagers.
Now, because US Capital Energy has returned to the area without consultation, SATIIM issued a press release and is considering taking legal action against the company if no other agreement can be reached.
View the press release issued by SATIIM.
