According to Nicaraguan authorities, the Canal will be one of the world's largest construction projects, cost an estimated $50 billion, and provide 50,000 building jobs — as well as tens of thousands additional posts in secondary infrastructure such as a free trade zone, ports, airport and tourist resorts.'The Canal has united the Nicaraguan people for a common purpose, leaving behind political differences.'
"God bless the Canal," reads a sign displayed by supporters of the project. (Photo via Reuters)
Environmental lawyer Monica Baltodano says the canal will ruin Lake Nicaragua and destroy important animal habitats. (Photo © 2015 Reese Erlich)
A glittering ceremony accompanied the breaking of ground on an access road for the canal in December. But it also drew protests. (Photo via Reuters)
90-year-old poet and former Sandinista leader Ernesto Cardinal strongly opposes the canal. (Photo © 2015 Reese Erlich)
The ferry chugged slowly out from the port at San Jorge, headed for the island, ground zero for the anti-canal movement. Backpackers looking for a cheap vacation mingled with locals bringing home vegetables, and even a motorcycle tire. Ometepe is home to some 42,000 residents who lead quiet lives fishing, growing food crops and catering to low-impact tourism.Waves lap gently against the shore where fishermen still go out in small, wooden row boats. The beach offers spectacular views of the lake and the two volcanoes that form the island.'The canal will destroy Lake Nicaragua, the most important lake in our country. … There won't be any fish or water to drink.'
Ometepe Island in Lake Nicaragua is a key source of resistance to the canal project. (Photo via Flickr)
Small farmers on Ometepe hold up a banner depicting President Daniel Ortega taking a bite out of their island. (Photo © 2015 Reese Erlich)
Placards prepared ahead of an anti-canal protest read: "Out Chinese!" and "Nicaragua is for the Nicaraguans." (Photo via Reuters)
Land owner Antonio Granados stands at the mouth of the Brito River, site for a future port and free trade zone. (Photo © 2015 Reese Erlich)
Farmers display wounds from rubber bullets fired by police during clashes at an anti-canal protest in December. (Photo via Reuters)