Poverty Threatens Old Growth Forest in Bluefields, Nicaragua
Apr 21st, 2009 by Jon Posted in Missions, Nicaragua News | 1 Comment
One of the amazing things about going back to Bluefields to visit Verbo year after year is that we get to see the changes over time. While changes in general have been slow and steady over the 4 years my church has been sending teams, one of the most dramatic changes has been the increase of squatter homes spreading out across the Verbo property.
More photos at the end of this article.
Verbo in Bluefields is blessed with an abundance of land, over 100 acres of raw unadultered forest that spans across a valley. On one end of the valley is the Verbo Church and on the opposite side is the Verbo Christian School. In between these two sites is old growth forest consisting of mahogany and mango trees, natural water springs, swamp and wet lands, and countless homes for birds, lizards, and other local wildlife.
On the edge of the Verbo property is a rock quarry (see here for “The Face of the Quarry“) where families work by breaking large volcanic boulders into piles of smaller rocks which can then be sold as construction material. While many of these famlies are poor (as with 85% of the population in Bluefields) and the labour is difficult, these families manage to make a little money to help with the necessities.
Here is where the problem gets a little murky - families from the rock quarry have been encroaching onto Verbo property. With each year back visiting Verbo, we see more tin and wood shacks dotting the valley. Just as problematic has been the poaching of trees from the property - mature mahogany trees have been cut down and turned into planks and fence posts for homes at the quarry and the surrounding area.
Above photos: Since 2007, squatters have been expanding down the
hillside and onto Verbo’s land and nature reserve. Some of these people
will trespass onto the property to cut down mahogany and other trees.
At Arrow 1 is the rock quarry. Arrows 2 and 3 show the increase in the
number of homes in the valley.
In 2006, Verbo started to build a house on the school property to discourage the tresspassing and squatting that was occurring by having someone live at and mind the Verbo property full-time.
In March 2007, the platform of the house was built and it was clearly visible from the church on the opposite side of the valley.
In 2008, the house was progressing with walls and a roof. Pastor Ed told me that it was about $2000 USD to finish the construction of the house.
In 2009, there was a drastic turn of events. Not to let the opportunity pass, people tresspassed onto Verbo land and started to steal the lumber from the incomplete building! To prevent further theft, the house was taken down and nothing remains of 3 years of work except for the posts in the ground.
Wood and materials from the house has been stolen and
has since been dismantled. All that remains are posts in the ground.
It is devilishly ironic that the house was supposed to deter tresspassing and theft fell victim to it before being completed.
What makes this whole issue complex …
- Verbo is a compassionate ministry. To evict poor people, even if squatting on their land, is counter to their values.
- In Nicaragua, if someone has been living on land for more than 10 years, even illegally, they get rights to that section of land (squatter’s rights).*
- Legal fees are extremely expensive. Even if Verbo can afford some legal consultation, I’m sure they would rather spend the money on outreach and helping their community.
- The people of Verbo live and work in the community of Bluefields. Creating a confrontation with squatters is a contentious issue.
*Actually, the information on this is very unclear. Pastor Ed in Bluefields has told us 10 years, whereas other sources state 30 years or no Squatter’s Rights at all!
How do we be compassionate to the poor community looking to establish a home for their families, but at the same time protect the natural resource that is on the Verbo property? Is it possible to educate the community to respect boundaries and the delicate ecosystem? Does survival and immediate needs outweigh the preservation of resources for future generations? The answers to these questions aren’t clear, especially in a small community where who is “right” is a matter of perspective.
Problems and solutions in Bluefields are rarely straightforward.
The Verbo property is home to a wide variety of fruits, trees, plants, and wildlife. Their plan is to use this to discover and grow feasible crops, and protect this reserve for future generations.
May 16th, 2009 at 11:47 am
It is difficult to tell a poor person that old growth trees are important to his children and grandchildren when they are sitting in the rain.
There are so many great alternatives to wooden structures. Why not introduce community building with adobe, stone, and a small amount of wood? Wonderful homes are being built all over the world using ancient techniques and modern.
A little research and an offer to be of help in solving the problem is far better than bemoaning what will be the inevitable destruction of the forrest if nothing is done.
Save the forrest and give the people homes. It can be done and is a hell of a good way to do so called “out reach”.
Take a look at Mother Earth News for mud brick structures. Lots of articles.