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The Darien Gap

intermediate

The Darien Gap

with emiliewalker

4. Intermediate

Let's talk about the break in the Pan-American Highway. What's the history? How do you get around it?

THE DARIEN GAP

Pan-American Highway Gap between Panama & Colombia Dense Jungle Largest Biosphere Reserve in Central America Raniest zone on the planet

Pick the correct answer

Have you heard of the Darien Gap before?

CROSSING WITH A VEHICLE NOW

No ferry No Highway Only Container Ship

HISTORY

US control in the region Colombia offered help to build a highway Environmental protection Indigenous life 1981: UNESCO Patrimony to Humanity Dangerous region recently

Proposed rail or road routes

FIRST VEHICLE CROSSING 1972

British army officer Gavin Thompson Team of 64 engineers and scientists

Indigenous Groups

Five tribes Protect Culture & Environment More access to markets would be good Worried about new illnesses

MIGRATION

In 2021 more than 130,000 people More than the 9 previous years Diverse migrants

MIGRATION ROUTES

Global forced displacement People leaving homes due to persecution, conflict, general violence, or human rights violations

CENTRAL AMERICAN ROUTE

Poverty & violence Routes controlled by cartels Drug trade Destabilisation

DANGER

Wildlife: Vipers (snakes), spiders, scorpions, ticks, botflies Humans: Drug traffickers, armed guerillas, cold war bombs Nature: Jungle heat, dirty water, spiked palm trees, trench foot

THE START: NECOCLI

Seaside town of 20,000 In Aug 2021, 10,000 migrants waiting Public services collapsed Familes forced to use life savings to survive

GOVERNMENTS

No land control Letting thousands of people die Responsibility to protect: indigenous, nature, well-being of people, economy Increased security campaign from Feb 2022

Pick the correct answer

Do you think the Darien Gap should be opened with a highway/railway?

PROS

Strengthen the border with a legal route Toll highway / railway A way for indigenous groups to transport products Surveillance for illegal trafficking, mining, and logging Better options for ecological tourism A humanitarian route

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Can you think of any other pros?

CONS

Protect the indigenous culture Protect the jungle The costs are too great with difficult geography Prevent illnesses from spreading There isn't enough traffic between the two countries

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Any other cons you can think of?

Pick the correct answer

After reviewing pros and cons, do you think they should open the gap?

CRISIS SOLUTIONS

Dissuade migrants from crossing, emphasise danger Create safer, more welcoming options Create better routes Give choice and support to return home Consider a regional approach

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Full Video Duration: 30 minutes
Aired: over 2 years ago

THE DARIEN GAP

CROSSING WITH A VEHICLE NOW

HISTORY

Proposed rail or road routes

FIRST VEHICLE CROSSING 1972

Indigenous Groups

MIGRATION

MIGRATION ROUTES

CENTRAL AMERICAN ROUTE

DANGER

THE START: NECOCLI

GOVERNMENTS

PROS

CONS

CRISIS SOLUTIONS

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