Mr. Quelvin Otoniel Jiménez Villalta:

The key word here is "consent". The free, prior and informed consent is at absolute utmost importance in any project or investment in development in communities. Companies think if they build a road, school or health centre that will be a benefit to communities. However, these are minor benefits. We had a case of a hydroelectric dam in Mayan territory where there was an agreement between communities and the company. They asked that the company comply with care for the land and water. The community said that they have looked after this water and these forests and that they have a right to a share in the benefits and an actual share in the shares of the company - a percentage - so that the community could see some real benefits. However, the company put obstacles in their way. They tried to develop different types of investment plans instead of handing over the shares. The community said, "No, we want our percentage." At that point, the company broke the entire process of negotiation.