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	Lacandon Maya K'in Garcia is fatalistic about the jungle his people inhabit. "It is disappearing," he said.

Officials of the autonomous Indian town of San Juan Chamula in Chiapas, Mexico, watch from city hall as residents in the town plaza, vote for mayor on Sunday, July 1, 2001.

People of Chiapas face issues of autonomy, poverty, environment, immigration and whispers of revolution

The lush and breathtaking jungles have been home to the Maya peoples for many millenia.

Today, they are as thick and beautiful as ever, but are threatened by industrialization that many say will come to Chiapas.

This industrial initiative, called Plan Puebla-Panama, has been talked about for several years. It may bring jobs to the region, which would partially alleviate the poverty that is so rampant in Chiapas, Mexico's poorest state. This may quell the rumors of revolution and take support from the Zapatista movement. Or the threat of industrialization may foment violence and revolution.

In the meantime, Chiapas is the gateway to Mexico for many Central Americans, who daily cross the Rio Suchiate in search of a better life in Mexico. Many that cross illegaly into Mexico are on their way to America.

Above, people cross the Rio Suchiate into Chiapas, Mexico, at the Guatemala border.


The fast-moving waterfalls at Agua Azul in Chiapas have claimed many lives. The area's pristine beauty could be endangered if Plan Pueblo-Panama, with its proposed industralization, is realized, some say.	Guatemalan day laborers wait for offers of work on the Mexican border. Many Central Americans feel that they have better opportunities in Mexico.

The ruins of Palenque, which symbolize the height of the ancient Maya empire, are remarkably well preserved in tthe Lacandon jungle of Chiapas.

Photos by Billy Calzada
http://www.billycalzada.com

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