Land dispossession in the Ujarrás, Salitre and Cabagra Indigenous Territories, Buenos Aires, Costa Rica, between 1945-2011

Abstract

Introduction: This article seeks to formulate both cartographical and statistical comparisons with the few data sets that exist obtained from relevant public institutions, regarding the total area and land possession in the indigenous territories of Ujarrás, Salitre and Cabagra, in Buenos Aires, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. This investigation is part of an interdisciplinary investigation project on the interethnic conflicts within these territories and possible contributions towards resolutions.

Objective: 1) To cartographically show, between the years of 1945, 1956 and 1982, the variation of the size of the indigenous territory of Ujarrás-Salitre-Cabagral; and 2) To statistically document, between the years 1966, 1987 and 2000, the possession of land in the Indigenous Territory of Ujarrás-Salitre-Cabagra.

Method and technique: From the Executive Decrees numbering 45, 34 and 13571, from the years 1945, 1956 and 1982, respectively, a comparative cartography of the indigenous territory Ujarrás-Salitre-Cabagra was made. Then, through the use of data from ITCO-IDA-INDER, JPRAN, INEC, CONAI and various publications, a comparative statistical analysis of land possession inside the indigenous territory of Ujarrás-Salitre-Cabagra was made.

Results: Government action via executive decrees and the illegal occupation of lands by non-indigenous people, by the year 2000, meant a total loss of 35,016 ha, or 53,7% of the original 1945 land decree of 65,157 ha.

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