Project
Panama: The New Conquistadors
A battle is being waged in the rainforests of Panama – between those who want to keep their way of...
As Canadian mining companies seek to expand their presence in Central America, some locals worry that the mining could endanger their rainforest and water supply.
"The New Conquistadors," a documentary report produced through a collaboration between the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting and the CBC News, explores the battle between the Canadian companies and local communities in Panama.
The plan to unearth billions of dollars worth of precious metals is a boon for these communities, according to the companies, as they bring in jobs and stimulate economic development. But for the peasant farmers and indigenous people, the rewards aren't worth sacrificing the environment.
"The New Conquistadors" will air on CBC on June 18, 2012 on The National. A one-hour version will be featured on Tuesday June 19th on CBC-NN.
