By Rojette Asingayan
On our tenth day of the delegation, we had a slower and later morning than usual. While some headed for breakfast on foot, the others took the van. It was really cool seeing a bit of what the everyday-life looked like for the locals of Mataquescuintla. For breakfast, we had scrambled eggs, plantains, and chips dipped in frijoles! There, we were joined by the CODIDENA community scientists. After a round of introductions, we got to hear a little bit of context behind CODIDENA and the work that they do.
We learned that CODIDENA is an organization that started in 2010 because there was a need to be able to train people that were going to do community organizing and political formation. We got to hear how their movement for human rights started because of the Escobal mine and the need for legal representation against the harmful activities of the mine. CODIDENA works around different things, for example, in the environmental aspect there is someone in charge of the florestal project. Additionally, since the mine was something that was imposed on the local communities without any prior consent, they saw the need to be able to do other types of support analysis such as anything to do with the water and hydro system.
After a while of what was a pretty bumpy ride and Martin missing where we were supposed to turn, we arrived at Laguna de Ayarza to see firsthand the young scientists at work. The lagoon was breathtaking with very clear water! However, after taking samples, we learned just how bad, till this day, the effect of the mine on the lagoon has been. This includes high PH levels of arsenic, metal contaminants, sediments, and much more. It’s hard to grasp how surprised they are that fish are still able to live in the condition of the water and that swimming too often will lead to skin irritations when the water is so beautiful.
We ended our time at the lagoon with fresh tilapia, a nice breeze, and a spectacular view. We then said our goodbyes and travelled back to the city. When we got to Casa San Benito, we had our last dinner, which was pasta, and had a sentimental second last night at the Casa San Benito convent.
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