Agro-Fuel Debate Takes Root in Central America

The debate is growing in Central America over the scope of industrial crops in forested areas or subsistence farming zones, and their impact on the source of food for the rural population.

Elections Unlikely to Bring Change to Guatemala

Guatemalans will go to the polls to elect a new government in September. But the failure to implement in-depth reforms in the political system, including a constituent assembly to rewrite the constitution, means structural changes that could improve the social and economic situation are unlikely, according to experts and political leaders.

Central America Has Highest Rate of Forest Loss in Region

Central America has suffered the highest rate of forest loss in Latin America over the last 10 years, despite a growing number of plans aimed at curbing the decline, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) reports.

Surviving the Sexist Genocide in Guatemala

"He would punch my head all the time, pull my hair, smack and kick me. And he would make me wear long sleeves to hide the bruises; even on my wedding day I had a black and blue mark on my arm," Heidi Velásquez told IPS in Guatemala.

Central America Raises Its Voice in Defence of Its Migrants

Spiralling violence against Central American migrants in Mexico has prompted legal reforms, diplomatic actions, and the creation of new mechanisms to protect citizens in this region.

CENTRAL AMERICA: Tragedies Suffered; Lessons Learned?

The disasters caused by torrential rains in South America have set off alarm bells in Central America, whose extreme vulnerability was made all too clear over the last few years when it was slammed by hurricanes Mitch and Stan and tropical storm Agatha.

GUATEMALA: High Staple Food Prices Drive Up Hunger

The rise in prices of corn, beans and other staple foods, driven up by damages to crops caused by extreme weather events, is making it even harder for the poor to afford a basic diet in Guatemala, which has the highest rate of child malnutrition in Latin America.

CENTRAL AMERICA: “Mutating” Gangs Sow Terror

"I'm really scared for my four kids, who take the bus to school," said an anguished Alma Valenzuela after a youth gang attacked a passenger bus in the Guatemalan capital, killing nine people, including three children.

GUATEMALA: New Law Hits Drug Cartels, Corrupt Officials Where They Hurt

A new law that will allow Guatemalan courts to seize goods and assets obtained through illegal activities, including drug trafficking and corruption, is being hailed as the new hope in fighting organised crime.

GUATEMALA: Women Make Inroads in Key Positions of Power

Guatemala, it seems, is trying out a new image. As of this month, women are at the helm of the Public Prosecutor's Office and the Comptroller General's Office, winning their posts on merit, in what local activists are calling an important step in women's access to political power -- though "there is a long way to go."

CENTRAL AMERICA: Entrepreneurs, Not Diplomats, Are ‘Ambassadors’ to China

With the exception of Costa Rica, Central America does not have diplomatic relations with China, but business executives are taking the place of ambassadors and promoting closer ties with the Asian giant, hoping to cash in on its rapid economic growth.

GUATEMALA: Allegations Taint Anti-Corruption Commission’s Efforts

With accusations now being levelled against the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), the effort to clean up corruption in this Central American nation has become a legal knot that will be difficult to untangle.

GUATEMALA: Forgotten Promises Leave Indigenous Peoples Poorer and Hungrier

Nearly three years into President Álvaro Colom's four-year term, Guatemala's indigenous people have seen little improvement in their lives -- and they represent approximately half the country's population.

CENTRAL AMERICA: Big Steps Forward for Nascent Recycling Industry

Waste recycling as a way to save money, create jobs and take care of the environment is finding footing in Central America, where hundreds of tonnes of paper, plastic, tyres and other products are now being marketed through innovative initiatives.

GUATEMALA: Legal Battle Over Wetland Oil Drilling

The 15-year extension of an oil-drilling contract in Guatemala's Laguna del Tigre National Park, one of Central America's most important wetlands, has triggered a legal fight against the government's decision, a battle waged by activists, academics and even government agencies.

CENTRAL AMERICA: Water as a ‘Divine Gift’

"Many people still believe that water is a gift from God." This statement from a Guatemalan scientist alludes to Central America's neglect of its water resources - - and the subsequent impact on agriculture.

Water as a 'Divine Gift'

Central America has been focusing on tourism and exports, failing to pay necessary attention to water and agriculture, say experts.

GUATEMALA: Controversial Early Start to Election Campaign

Guatemala's election campaign got off to a controversial and premature start, with an evangelical pastor, a military officer, a former president, the president's wife and the daughter of a general who led a coup emerging as presidential hopefuls, although three of them face legal barriers to their candidacy, according to experts.

CLIMATE CHANGE: Central America Must Be Recognised as Especially Vulnerable

Having suffered the devastation of extreme weather phenomena in recent years, such as hurricanes Mitch, Stan and Agatha, the countries of Central America will head to the next global climate summit with an emphasis on their vulnerability and demand access to better conditions for dealing with climate disasters.

Fighting Violence with Death in Guatemala

As the movement for the abolition of the death penalty gains ground worldwide, Guatemala is seeking to reintroduce capital punishment, which has been in legal limbo since 2000. Congress has already approved a law paving the way for the execution of 41 death row inmates.

GUATEMALA: Spreading Expertise on Integrated Waste Management

Guatemala has more than 700,000 clandestine garbage dumps. But a growing network of public and private sector employees are receiving training in integrated waste management that they in turn pass on to others, as part of a unique cooperation initiative with Mexico and Germany.