Generadora San Mateo S.A. and Generadora San Andrés S.A.

Generadora San Mateo S.A. and Generadora San Andrés S.A. | Accountability Console

Generadora San Mateo S.A. and Generadora San Andrés S.A.

Issues

Sectors

Project

Name: Generadora San Andrés S.A., Generadora San Mateo S.A.

Investments: IDB GU3798A-01, IDB GU3794A-01

Client: Generadora San Andrés S.A., Generadora San Mateo S.A.

Support: Loans, Loans

Country: Guatemala

Complaint

IAM: Independent Consultation and Investigation Mechanism (MICI)

ID: MICI-CII-GU-2018-0136

Date Filed: Aug. 6, 2018

Status: Monitoring

Description

The Request describes the situation of residents of various communities in Northern Guatemala, in the area where the Generadora San Mateo and Generadora San Andrés Hydroelectric Power Projects are located. According to the Requesters, IDB Invest has not complied with its Operational Policies, nor with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards. This alleged non-compliance refers to a series of actions and omissions, including the absence of an adequate and complete assessment of the environmental and social impacts that may have prevented the complete identification and characterization of the impacted population. Also, they claim that the Projects did not carry out adequate prior consultation and access to information procedures. Regarding the harm allegations, the Request describes various environmental impacts including the pollution of water sources that are essential to the survival of the region residents; its potential impact on the livelihood activities of the Requesters and its potential impact on the biodiversity. These negative impacts may be impacting women in an exacerbated manner, because of a lack of gender perspective for both Projects. Also, the Requesters report aggressions to the security and integrity of the region residents, in the context of the serious public- order situation in which the Projects are developed. They describe an increase in the level of security issues and rupture of the family and community fabric. They underscore the situation of violence and reprisals against those who have shown opposition to the Projects, reporting on human rights violations, death threats and killings. Finally, the Request alleges harm against the traditional culture and way of life of the indigenous peoples, including impact to sacred sites, and archaeological sites close to the Projects. In relation to the MICI process, they state that they wish to resort to the Compliance Review Phase, in case their Request is declared eligible.

Complaint Stages

Timeline