It would be hard to have missed the important developments in Southern Mexico
over the last year - even without press coverage. Since Jan. 1, 1994, a 400
sqmi area in Southeast Chiapas had been virtually controlled by the Zapatistas,
a predominantly Mayan army. However, during the second week of February 1995,
the Mexican army invaded the area with helicopter gunships, tanks and
artillery. During the previous year, the government was not allowed to work in
the zone and while its presence has never been significant in terms of public
services, health care, sanitation, education and RdevelopmentS had to be taken
up by the local inhabitants. With the help of an organization called CONPAZ
(which is a coalition of non-governmental aid and human rights organizations),
huge strides were made toward local self reliance. By all reports, the
development process was proceeding at an unparalleled rate. Particularly
refreshing was a can-do attitude that seems to have replaced a more commonplace
inertia that has lead anthropologists and sociologists to cry Rcultural
incompatibilityS when development projects languish in local apathy. Something
has certainly empowered the people to take control of their own destiny.
I was involved with a project that needs information. Please help.
RThe ChildrenUs Community GardensS organization (2244 The Circle, Suite 2,
Raleigh, NC 27608 (919) 755-1651 started an organic garden in the center of
town (Morelia, Chiapas) with the objective of providing the village with an
affordable source of fresh vegetables and a window onto a potential income
supplement. There are many hotels and restaurants within a few hours of Morelia
who are eager to buy organic produce (the RborderS usually only represents a
delay) and the soil and climate are ideal, albeit wet. The project has spawned
a nearby commercial plot which is twice as large as the public one. Aside from
some hesitation to keep up with the production of compost, both seem to be well
in hand. I am concerned however, that these non traditional crops and cropping
methods have many limiting pests and diseases not far over their horizon;
particularly challenging with organic methods.
Communications with Morelia are limited to road trips which are particularly
difficult for foreigners and certain locals who are suspected of Zapatista
work. However, both CONPAZ and a local agronomist, Ronald Nigh, are able to
disperse information. Ron has volunteered to translate from English but
materials sent of CONPAZ should be in Spanish (Tzeltal if possible) and
carefully labeled for Morelia. Although my own participation will be limited, I
would be grateful for updates on any further successes.
CONPAZ Atten: Onesimo Hidalgo
Calle Chiapa De Corzo #19
Barrio El Cerrillo CP 29220
San Cristobal de Las Casas
Chiapas, Mexico
E-mail: conpaz@laneta.apc.16c.org.reg.mexico
Tel/fax: 01152 967 80272
Ronald Nigh: Calle Dr. Navarro #10
Col. El Cerrillo CP 29220
San Cristobal de Las Casas
Chiapas, Mexico
Thank you,
John Goeke
730 Hamilton St.
Lancaster, PA 17602
Tel: (717) 394-9110
Fax: (717) 392-5971