Voices of the Affected: Experiences of Chixoy dam development, subsequent reparation payments and claim making within COCAHICH

Abstract

We investigated the consequences of the Chixoy dam, a large hydroelectric development project built during Guatemala's armed conflict. The construction of the dam involved massacres and forced displacements. Our research has focused on the consequences for the livelihood strategies of Santa Ana Panquix and Agua Blanca, Alta Verapaz, and their lack of compensation. This lack of compensation resulted in the unification of the 33 affected communities in COCAHICH, an organization that is fighting for reparations. Our research has also focused on their claim making and identity politics, as well as the consequences of the reparations process for the communities and regional relations.