Graffiti like this is everywhere in Aysen. On every hard surface the spraypaint reads "Patagonia sin represas" and "Aysen, tu problema es mi problema", translating to Patagonia without dams and Aysen, your problem is my problem.
Merely a few days before we arrived in Coyhaique, there were major riots: shutting down the caretera and vandalizing buildings. Buildings were still boarded up and broken windows seemed to be everywhere there was not a sign or black flag showing solidarity with the protests. When we were unpacking our car and preparing to sell it, we unpleasantly discovered remnants of pepper spray only after we rubbed our nose and eyes.
The problem centers around two major issues, as far as I can tell. First, a company HidroAysen, wants to put hydroelectric dams on some of the major rivers here. This would damage the enviroment and tourism that these people depend on for their livelyhood. Compounding this issue is the lack of representation in Santiago, the nation's capital. Officials are appointed to represent the provinces that they have never lived in, and thus, do not understand the people they represent. This centralized government is having a hard time helping the people of Aysen.
You can't help rooting for the people here and it will be interesting to see how the mood changes as we head further North.
It seems no matter where you are things are still the same. Common sense is a rare commodity.
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