Rethink the Nicaragua Canal

At the end of 2014, construction began on the Grand Canal in Nicaragua, a project shrouded in secrecy since its inception 2.5 years ago. The Nicaraguan government showed scant evidence of having accounted for the impact on the environment and on local residents, or of having adequately consulted the public in selecting the final 278-km route. Such disregard should be alarming to everyone. Projects of this magnitude warrant dialogue among all stakeholders. As construction is projected to span 5 years, there is still time to reconsider it and convene independent assessments and meetings that are transparent, inclusive, and respectful of different perspectives, to guide the project toward the best outcome