Dams, Rivers and Rights An Action Guide for Communities Affected by Dams
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- Title
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Dams, Rivers and Rights
An Action Guide for Communities
Affected by Dams - extracted text
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pams, Rivers and Rights
An Action Guide for Communities
Affected by Dams
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Para a morte
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PARA LA VIDA
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symbole oe vie
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Acknowledgements
From the original publisher
This action guide was produced with the generous support of Oxfam Australia and the Ford
Foundation. The text was written by Aviva Imhof, Ann Kathrin Schneider and Susanne Wong
Shannon Lawrence edited the final draft and Jamie Greenblatt helped with proofreading.
Tracy Perkins provided invaluable help and expertise with illustration concepts, layout and
overall project direction. Thanks to Haris Ichwan for his beautiful illustrations. Thanks to
Hesperian Foundation for allowing us to use illustrations from their extensive collection.
Special thanks to our Advisory Group for providing comments and suggestions and for field
testing the guide with dam-affected communities. This guide was inspired by the courage
and wisdom of dam-affected people and their allies around the world.
Advisory group members include Girin Chetia (India), Pianporn Deetes (Thailand), Ira Pamat
(Philippines), Franklin Rothman (Brazil), Kevin Woods (Thailand/US) and Ercan Ayboga
(Turkey).
Original illustrations by Haris Ichwan. Illustrations on pages 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20,
21,22, 23, 28, 30, 32, and 33 provided courtesy of Hesperian Foundation.
Designed by Design Action Collective
Printed by Inkworks Press
Published by International Rivers Network, 2006
1847 Berkeley Way, Berkeley CA 94703, USA
Tel: +1 510 848 1155, Fax: +1 510 848 1008, info@irn.org, www.irn.org
ISBN-10: 0-97188-584-2
ISBN-13: 978-0-97188-584-4
Re-published by:
Indian Social Action Forum (INSAF)
A - 124/6, Katwaria sarai, New Delhi- 16,
Telefax :+91-11-26517814
Community Health Cell
Printed by:
Designs and Dimensions, L-5 A, Sheikh Sarai,
Library and Information Centre
# 359, "Srinivasa Nilaya”
Jakkasandra 1st Main,
1st Block, Koramangala,
BANGALORE - 560 034.
Ph : 2553 15 18/2552 5372
e-mail: chc@sochara.org
Vamsr Rivers and Rights
An Action Guide for Communities
Affected by Dams
International Rivers Network
INSAF
Indian Social Action Forum
Unking Human Rights and Environmental Protection
Resist globlisation, Combat Communalism. Defend Democracy
Difficult Words
Compensation: Money or other things given to replace people’s losses.
Decommission: To destroy a dam or stop the use of it. This can involve changing a dam structure,
permanently opening its gates or removing a dam.
Displacement: Removal of people from their homes and lands.
Downstream: Area located below or down the river from a dam.
Field Surveys: Information gathering by talking to people and looking at things directly.
Mitigation: Measures to reduce the impact of a dam. They can include creating wildlife
sanctuaries, releasing water downstream of the dam or providing money and new livelihoods to
affected people.
Non-gOVemmental organization (NGO): An organization that is independent from the government.
Non-Violent direct action: Peaceful event organized to pressure decision-makers and raise public
awareness about a struggle.
Public development bank: An international bank, like the World Bank or the Inter-American
Development Bank, that lends money to governments or companies for development. Public
development banks are controlled by governments.
Re-Operation: Changing dam operation to allow the river to flow more naturally.
Reparations: Money or other things given to replace losses or compensate for damages caused
by an existing dam.
Reservoir: A lake that is created when a dam is built.
Resettlement: Moving people into new or existing villages to make way for a dam.
Schistosomiasis: Disease caused by contact with certain types of snails that live in fresh water
from canals, rivers or lakes.
Sediment: Sand, dirt and rocks that are carried by a river.
Upstream: Area located above'a dam, including the reservoir and areas further up the river.
Watershed: The area of land that catches rain and snow that flows into a river.
World Commission on Dams: Independent international commission set up to study the
performance of dams, examine alternatives and make recommendations for future dam
building. Final report issued in 2000. Information available at www.dams.org.
Table of Contents
Introduction
2
Chapter 1: Basic Information About Dams
3
What is a dam?............................................................................................................................ 3
What do dams do?....................................................................................................................... 3
Who benefits? Who loses?.......................................................................................................... 4
How do dams perform?................................................................................................................ 5
Who pays for dams?.................................................................................................................... 6
Chapter 2: Impacts of Dams
7
Graphic: Dam impacts................................................................................................................ 8
Realities of displacement..........................................................................................................10
Millions of people affected downstream................................................................................... 12
Chapter 3: The International Movement Against Destructive Dams...........................
14
Successes of dam fighters...................................................................................................... 15
Successes...but dams still threaten communities.................................................................16
Chapter 4: How to Fight Dams.......................................................................................
17
Planning your campaign............................................................................................................ 18
Important strategies to fight dams............................................................................................ 20
What you can do at each stage of dam building..................................................................... 24
Chapter 5: Alternatives to Dams...................................................................................
29
Alternatives for energy............................................................................................................... 29
Alternatives for water................................................................................................................. 32
Alternatives for flood management........................................................................................... 34
Conclusion......................................................................................................................
Regional Contacts............................................................................... 37
lu 3 o >
(1)
36
Introduction
Around the world, people are rising up against big dams. They are fighting to protect their rivers
and their livelihoods from new dams. They are demanding compensation for problems caused
by old dams. They are proposing better alternatives for energy, water supply and flood
management. All of them are fighting for a voice in decisions that affect their lives.
Over the last 20 years, the international movement against dams has grown strong and had
many successes. Some dams have been stopped. Better alternatives, such as small dams
and water conservation, have been implemented. Communities have received better
compensation. Some dams have been taken down.
But new dams continue to threaten communities worldwide.
International Rivers Network created this action guide to empower communities threatened by
new dams and to share ideas from the growing international anti-dam movement. International
Rivers Network and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) around the world are
ready to help you in your struggle. NGOs that may be able to assist you are listed at the end of
this guide.
We hope this guide provides information and tools to help you decide how to respond to a
proposed dam, how to protect your rights and how to demand a voice in decisions about dams.
► At the beginning of the guide is a list of difficult words and their definitions.
► Chapter 1 provides general information on dams, including how they work, who benefits
from dams and who pays for them.
► Chapter 2 talks about the impacts of dams on communities and natural resources.
► Chapter 3 describes the international movement of people against destructive dams and
its successes.
► Chapter 4 gives ideas for how communities can challenge dams and defend their rights.
► Chapter 5 provides information about better options for meeting people’s water, energy
and flood management needs.
► At the end of the guide is a list of contacts that may be able to help you.
We wish you success in your struggle against destructive dams. We are one in the struggle for
justice and dignity. Water for life, not for death!
International Rivers Network
& Indian Social Action Forum
(2)
Basic Information About Dams
What is a dam?
A dam is a wall built across a river. Dams can be made of earth, rock or concrete. They block
river flow, creating artificial lakes called reservoirs. Water contained in reservoirs can be used
to generate electricity, to provide water for irrigation and drinking, to aid navigation of boats, to
control floods and for recreation. Some dams are built to do more than one of these things.
More than 47,000 large dams (taller than 15 meters) have been built around the world. China,
the United States and India have the most large dams. The world’s biggest dams are over 250
meters tall (or higher than a 60-story building) and several kilometers wide. They cost billions of
dollars and take more than 10 years to build.
What do dams do?
► Water supply and irrigation
dams store water in a reservoir.
This water is sent to cities or
farms using large pipes and
canals.
► Hydropower dams use water to
turn the blades of machines
called turbines to generate
electricity. Electricity is sent to
cities or factories using
transmission lines. After passing
through the turbines, water is
released back into the river below
the dam.
► Flood control dams store water
during heavy rains to reduce
flooding downstream.
Dams come in many shapes and sizes but
most have these features.
► Navigation dams store water and release it when water in the river is low so boats can
travel up and down the river year-round. They are typically built with locks, or devices
which raise and lower boats so they can travel past the dam.
(3)
<J> Who benefits? Who loses?
Factories and city residents benefit from power generated or water stored by dams. Large
agricultural companies benefit from cheap water for irrigation. Dams often take resources away
from rural communities to give these benefits to industries and people living in cities.
Sometimes these industries and people are in neighboring countries.
Construction and engineering companies benefit too. They receive millions of dollars for
designing and building dams. Governments can benefit from taxes collected during operation of
a dam. Because of the large amounts of money spent on dams, corrupt government or
company officials sometimes take money for their own benefit.
The ones who have suffered most from large dams are rural farmers and indigenous or tribal
peoples. Millions of people have been evicted from their homes to make way for dams and
reservoirs. Millions more living downstream from dams have suffered impacts to their
livelihoods and well-being.
To make matters worse, dam-affected people are rarely included in decisions about whether or
not to build a dam. They usually do not know their rights to information and public hearings, to
demand new land and livelihoods, and even to oppose dams. They typically do not receive
benefits of electricity or water although they may live right next to a dam.
Large-scale farmers receive irrigation
water and power from dams.
Dam-affected people often do not receive these
benefits and end up with worse land.
Some dams make floods worse instead of better
How do dams perform?
When dams do not perform well,
governments and people suffer
While dams can provide some benefits, they often
do not produce as much power or irrigate as
much land as expected. Water supply dams often
provide less water than promised. This usually
happens because dam builders overestimate how
much water is available in the river for use.
Flood control dams can stop small floods, but they
can also make damages from large floods worse.
People may build more houses and shops
downstream from a dam because they feel safe.
However, when a large flood occurs and the
reservoir cannot hold the floodwater, more people
downstream may lose their belongings and even
their lives.
Dams do not last forever. They are usually built to
operate for a certain number of years. The
lifespan of a dam depends on many factors,
including how much sediment is in the river. Over
time, reservoirs fill up with sediment. As the
sediment builds up, dams become less effective,
until they can no longer operate.
(5)
The Yacyreta dam was described by former
Argentinean president Carlos Menem as a
“monument to corruption." The dam’s costs have
increased from USS2.7 billion to USS11.5 billion,
and the project is still unfinished.
The dam, located in Argentina and Paraguay,
produces only 60% of the power it is supposed
to produce. The group that manages the dam is
billions of dollars in debt and cannot pay back
loans because the project is unprofitable.
Governments often borrow money to build dams.
They expect to earn lots of money. However, if
dams do not generate as much power as
expected, governments may not have enough
money to pay back loans. They may cut
spending on education and health care which
causes suffering for people too.
For cash-poor countries, investments in risky
dams may increase their debt to institutions like
the World Bank. In these cases, dams built to
reduce poverty may actually increase it.
Who pays for dams?
About USS40 billion is spent on dams each year. Since dams are so expensive to build,
governments usually need to get loans from many funders. The World Bank is one of the most
important dam funders. This public development bank has spent US$60 billion on 600 dams
all over the world. Regional development banks - like the Asian Development Bank, African
Development Bank and Inter-American Development Bank - lend money to governments and
companies to build dams too.
When public development banks fund part of the dam construction, it makes it easier for the
government to get loans from private banks too. Rich countries, like Japan and Germany, also
give grants and loans to governments that want to build a dam.
After the dam is built, the government has to pay these loans back. If the dam does not make as
much money as it was supposed to, the government still has to pay back the debt.
People in rich countries benefit from dam building in two ways. Dam building companies
receive money to build dams, and governments receive interest payments when poor
countries pay back loans.
(6)
CHAPTER 2
Impacts of Dams
When Malisemelo Didian Tau first heard about plans to build a big water
supply dam on her land in Lesotho, Africa, she resisted. But the dam
builders convinced her that only a few people would have to move away to
make many people’s lives better. They promised Malisemelo and her
community compensation, water supply, schools and new homes.
But the promises were not kept. Says Malisemelo, “When we do not get enough compensation
for our lands, it is the death of our children and the death of coming generations because they
will have nothing to help them survive in the future.”
This is not just Malisemelo’s story. Between 40 and 80 million people have been forced from
their homes and lands to make way for dams. Most of these people are poorer now. Their
livelihoods, cultures and communities have been destroyed.
Dams have flooded some of the world’s most important animal habitats and fertile farmlands.
Rivers have been ruined. Fisheries have been destroyed. Some fish, animal and plant species
have disappeared.
This chapter explains the impacts of dams on communities and natural resources. We examine
the specific impacts of dams on displaced families and on communities living downstream of
the dam. Then, we discuss what communities in Lesotho are doing to defend their lives and
livelihoods from big dams.
(7)
Dams Impacts
Dam destroy communities
Reservoirs destroy animal habitat
Families living in the reservoir area lose
their homes, lands and livlihoods.
Communities are often not resettled
Together, and people are usually poorer
after they move.
Forests, wetlands and other habitat
are flooded. Reservoirs can also split
up animal habitat and block migration
Routes
(8)
Dams give water and energy to the rich
Dams kill fish and destroy fisheries
Fish populations decline upstream because fish cannot
migrate post dams. Below dams, changes in water flow
and quality can destroy fish. People who despend on
fish for fdood and income suffer.
Dams and reservoirs take water from
rivers that rural farmers and fishers use.
They provide water and electricity instead
to people who can pay for these services.
Crop yields Decline
Dams flood some of
the best farmlands and
block sediment from
flowing downstream to
fertilize crops. Water
released form
reservoirs can wash
riverbank gardens.
$
%
Dams can release
/ polluted water
■MJ? Poor
quality twater causes
.
quality
issness to people and livstock
downstream.
(9)
Realities of displacement
Displaced communities suffer
One of the biggest impacts of dams is the
forced displacement of people from their
homes. Reservoirs flood areas where
people live, grow crops, fish and raise
livestock. Sometimes families have lived on
the land for many generations. Despite this,
governments and dam builders force people
to leave their homes and lands. Entire
villages are flooded.
40-80 million people have been displaced
by dams worldwide.
Displacement makes most people poorer. They have problems getting enough food to eat and
income to support their families. They may no longer be able to survive by farming and fishing.
Rural communities may be forced to move to cities or towns where they must adapt to a new
way of life. In cities, they can face new problems like crime and drugs.
Displacement destroys communities and cultures. Villages are often divided and separated, so
people no longer live close to friends and relatives. Indigenous people and ethnic minorities are
often the victims of dam
building. Cultural sites and
graves of ancestors may be
flooded. People may lose
connection to their ancestral
lands.
Says an ethnic Nya Heun
man forced to move for the
Houay Ho Dam in Laos,
“Some people thought they
would get sick if they moved.
They thought it’s not our own
land. It’s like moving to a
different country. Our sense
of place, our sense of home,
was destroyed."
Some people displaced by dams have been moved
to land that is not fertile or is too steep to farm.
(10)
Dam-affected people often
suffer emotional and physical
problems. Alcoholism,
depression, domestic
violence, disease and even
suicide often increase after
they are displaced.
Problems with resettlement
Some people who are displaced by dams are given new houses. This is called resettlement.
People may be moved into already existing villages or into new villages built just for damaffected people.
Dam builders often promise that people’s lives will be better after resettlement. They promise
that people will get jobs and big new houses with electricity and water. However, these promises
are usually broken. The houses are often small and poorly made. People cannot afford
electricity or water fees. They usually receive less land than they had before. The new land may
be more difficult to farm than their old land.
Resettled people are often unable to farm or fish or raise livestock like they used to. Sometimes
dam builders encourage them to adopt new livelihoods, like cattle grazing or growing crops to
sell at markets. However, this is usually unsuccessful and people may have a harder time
making a living than before.
Many do not receive enough compensation
Compensation is money or other
things given to replace what people
have lost. When people are given
cash compensation, it is often not
enough money for them to survive.
If people are not used to cash, they
may not know how to make the
money last for a long time.
Many people do not receive
compensation. The government
may say the people have no right to
compensation because they do not
legally own the land they live on.
The community may share the land
or some people may farm land that
is owned by other people. Or the
government may not think they will
be affected by the dam. When
people do receive compensation, it
is often not enough to survive.
Without enough food or money to survive, families often
end up living in slums or working as migrant laborers.
“Government officials told us, ‘Give up your small home in the interest of the big home [the
nation],’” said Zhang Qiu Lau, who was resettled for the Xiaolangdi Dam in China. “They
promised to pay 15 cents a square foot for our homes and replace all our farmland. But up to
now, I’ve received nothing, no cash. And our family, which had half an acre of good quality
farmland per person, received just half as much of much poorer quality land when we moved to
Xiang Yuan."
(11)
Millions of people affected downstream
Dams have destroyed the livelihoods of millions of people living downstream of dams. The
biggest impacts are on fishing and farming.
Fisheries destroyed
Dams destroy fisheries by changing
water flow and blocking fish from
reaching breeding grounds and
habitat upstream of the dam. Fish
populations usually decline. Some
species disappear. As a result,
people may lose an important source
of protein and income. Their
traditional way of life may also be
destroyed.
Crops decline
Fish catch downstream dropped by 60 percent after
Brazil's Tucurui Dam was built. Fewer people fish today.
People can suffer damages to their
crops. Changes in water flow can
erode riverbanks downstream of dams. Sometimes people’s riverside gardens, land and crops
are washed away into the river.
Rivers carry important nutrients and sediment that
fertilize fields after floods. Dams stop these nutrients
and sediment from traveling downstream. Without these
nutrients, crop yields may decline. People may have to
buy chemical fertilizers. If this is too costly, people may
have to stop farming.
Lack of clean water
Water can often become dirty or polluted downstream of
dams. People and animals may get sick if they drink the
water, especially during times of low flow. People may
get sores or skin rashes if they bathe in the river. Less
water may be available for irrigating crops.
Sudden releases cause damage
Dam operators sometimes decide to suddenly release
water from reservoirs. Water levels can increase rapidly.
People using the river may not get any warnings. Their
boats and fishing equipment may be swept away by the
rising waters. In some cases, people may drown.
(12)
After the Yali Falls Dam
was built, Cambodian
villagers got sores and
rashes if they bathed in the
Se San River.
Before the Katse dam was built in Lesotho, local communities could grow crops all year
round. They grew pumpkins, peas, beans, potatoes and other vegetables. Their large
fields could produce enough food to share with others.
But after they were resettled, communities became poorer. Promises of compensation
and new livelihoods were broken. Some people even died.
“Life here on the resettlement site is difficult. We struggle to get everything, even wild
vegetables. At Molikaliko, we had food all year round. Here, we starve all year round,”
said Nkhono 'Maseipati who was resettled for the Katse Dam.
Communities in Lesotho are still fighting for fair compensation. They have filed complaints
with dam builders, publicized their concerns and organized demonstrations. In late 2005,
a government official promised to give communities everything they demanded. Will these
new promises be kept?
If you hear that a dam may be built in your area, it is important to remember stories like
this one. Think about how your life would change if a dam were built nearby. Imagine how
it would affect your family, livelihood, culture and community.
Questions for discussion:
How will the dam
affect your
community?
Will you have to
move?
How will it affect your
livelihood? Will it
affect your fishing or
farming?
What compensation
or resettlement is
being offered?
What opportunities
do affected people
have to voice their
opinions and state
their demands?
(13)
CHAPTER 3
The International Movement
Against Destructive Dams
Millions of people around the world fight against dams. Fishermen in Pakistan, farmers in
Thailand and indigenous people in Guatemala fight against dams. University professors in
Japan and human rights NGOs in Uganda also fight against dams. They fight to protect people’s
livelihoods and natural resources. And they fight for people’s rights to take part in decisions that
affect their lives.
These efforts are more effective when people work together in regional and international
alliances. Today, there are networks of dam fighters in Latin America, East and Southeast Asia,
South Asia, Europe and Africa (see Regional Contacts section for more information). These
networks include dam-affected people, people's movements, NGOs, researchers and other
groups. People use these networks to share information, organize joint activities and work
together to stop dams and defend people’s basic human rights.
Dam fighters have organized two international meetings to share experiences and develop
strategies to fight destructive dams. In 1997, participants from 20 countries met in Brazil. A
second meeting took place in 2003 in Thailand with 300 participants from 61 countries. The
movement continues to grow and get stronger.
(14)
Successes of dam fighters
Fewer dams being built
The international movement has been successful in stopping
dams. There are fewer dams being built now than in the past.
Because of strong opposition to dams, governments have even
cancelled dam projects.
Some dams taken down
Today, in the US and Europe, dams that were built many years
ago are being decommissioned, or taken down. The rivers are
returning to life. In France, several small dams on the Loire and
the Leguer rivers were decommissioned in recent years. After
the dams were destroyed, the rivers returned to life. Salmon and
other fish started to swim up and down the river again.
Rights of affected people upheld
Many dam-affected people have successfully fought to protect
their rights. Some people have received better compensation.
Some have participated in decision-making processes. And
some have received irrigation water and electricity.
Because of protests by affected people and their allies, there are
now international guidelines to improve dam-building. These
guidelines were developed by the World Commission on Dams
(WCD). The WCD says that no dam should be built without the
agreement of the affected people. Dam builders should sign
legal contracts with affected people for compensation. If the
contracts are broken, affected people should be able to take
legal action against dam builders. Many governments have not
adopted these guidelines, but dam-affected people are using
these guidelines as a tool to fight for their rights.
Less money for dams
Dams are very expensive. Governments in Latin America, Africa
and Asia have to borrow money from public development banks
and private banks to pay for dams. Twenty years ago, these
funders gave a lot of money to build dams. Today, because of
strong opposition to large dams, they loan less money for these
projects. This has made it harder for governments to build
dams.
(15)
Villagers win victory at Rasi Salai Dam
In 2000, the gates of Thailand’s Rasi
Salai Dam were permanently opened.
This was a big victory for dam-affected
people.
The Rasi Salai dam flooded the
farmland of more than 15,000 people. It
blocked fish migration routes and
flooded a swamp forest. It was a
disaster for everyone. Affected people
decided to fight. They demanded that
the gates of the dam be permanently
opened to restore the river and people’s
livelihoods.
They created a protest village in the
reservoir area to bring attention to their
demands. Some protestors occupied
the dam site. They said they would not
leave until the dam gates were opened.
At one point, the protesters were surrounded by rising water. The protests lasted several
years.
In the end, the villagers won. The Thai government agreed to open the dam gates. Since
then, the Mun River has come back to life. People can once again grow crops on the
banks of the river and catch fish. They have regained their livelihoods.
Buppa Kongtham, a leader of the Rasi Salai movement, explained why she fought to
decommission the dam. “Saving the environment is the only way to help my grandchildren
in the long run. That’s what I’m doing for them now.”
Successes...but dams still threaten communities
These are big successes. But a lot still needs to be done. In many countries around the world,
governments are still building destructive dams. Many people still lose their homes and land to
dams and reservoirs. Many powerful governments, companies and development banks have
big plans to build more dams.
► We need to strengthen resistance against destructive dams.
► We need to work together, support each other and learn from each other to protect the
rights of dam-affected people.
When many people fight together against dams, it is harder for governments and companies to
build dams and harm communities.
(16)
CHAPTER 4
Howto Fight Dams
You can do many things to fight dams and to fight for your rights. The first step is to gather
information about the dam and what impacts it might have on your community. Next you should
figure out what you want and how you can make that happen. Then you take action to achieve
your goals. This process is often called a campaign.
It is important to start your campaign as early as possible. Some important actions you can do
throughout your campaign include getting and distributing information, organizing with other
people in your community and working together with national, regional and international groups.
In some countries, organizing against a dam can be dangerous for community members and
their families. Sometimes it is risky to criticize the government or its dam-building plans. It is
important to be aware of these risks when you develop your campaign strategy.
This chapter gives you suggestions for how to develop a campaign strategy. It outlines actions
you can take throughout the dam-building process. Lastly, it describes the three stages of dam
building and identifies important steps you can take at each stage.
March 14 is the International Day of Action Against Dams and for Rivers, Water and Life.
Hundreds of groups around the world take action to demonstrate against destructive dams,
celebrate victories and educate the public. By organizing activities on March 14. you can
increase awareness about your struggle and the international opposition to large dams.
(17)
Planning your campaign
1. Collect information
It is important to understand how the dam would impact your community and the river. You can
use field surveys to gather information from members of your community. NGOs, university
researchers and other groups may also be able to help you. Here are some questions to think
about:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
What villages and lands will be affected by the dam and reservoir?
How many people will have to move?
How many people will lose their fishing areas and farmlands?
What is the value of the land, crops, houses, and/or fish catch that they will lose?
What compensation or resettlement is being offered?
Who is developing the dam? Is it the government, a private company or both?
Who is paying for the dam?
2. What are your goals?
The next step to organizing your
campaign is to figure out your goals
and develop a strategy to achieve
your goals. Here are some things to
think about:
•
•
•
•
What are you trying to achieve?
Do you want to stop the dam?
Do you want better
compensation?
Do you want to have a say in
decisions about the dam that
affect your community?
Make sure your goals are shared by members of your community. Your goals can be translated
into demands for your campaign. For example: “Stop the Okavango Dam” or “More
compensation for Okavango communities!”
3. Who are your allies and who are your opponents?
Building alliances is one of the most important parts of a campaign strategy. Think about who
can help you in your struggle. Your success depends on how much support you can build within
your communities, with the general public and with other groups.
Think about who your opponents are. What are their strengths and weaknesses? What will they
do to oppose you? Opponents can include other community members, government officials,
dam-building companies and funders.
(18)
4. Who are your targets?
Think about who can give you what you want. Who is making decisions about the dam? It may
be people in your government. It may be a dam-building company. Or it may be a dam funder,
like a development bank. These are your targets. Which of your targets is easiest to influence?
If your government is not very open, it might be easier to influence the dam funder or the dam
builder.
5. What strategies will change the mind of your targets?
What will convince your targets to change their
minds and support your demands? Will protests
be effective? Will media reports change their
minds? Will action in your Parliament or
legislature be effective? Usually a combination of
actions is most successful. Make a timeline
listing actions. Make sure everyone understands
who is responsible for each action. This is your
campaign strategy.
6. What funding do you need for your campaign?
Every campaign needs resources, whether it is help with organizing marches and
demonstrations, a computer and access to email, a telephone, or printing of campaign
materials. Many groups rely on donations from members of their community. Other sources of
funding include foundations, aid agencies and other people in your country. If you need help
fundraising, try to contact some bigger NGOs in your country. They may have ideas for raising
money.
Discuss your campaign strategy together in your community and make sure that everyone
understands and agrees with it.
(19)
«►> Important strategies to fight dams
Some strategies can be effective at all stages of the dam-building process. The following gives
you some ideas about activities that you can do at all stages of your campaign.
Organize and mobilize
Organize and mobilize affected people
and the general public to support your
struggle. Your campaign success
depends on uniting many people.
Governments and dam builders will
often try to create conflict amongst
community members. By building the
strength and unity of your community
early on, it will be harder for dam
builders to divide you.
One way to mobilize people is to
create your own organization. You can
also link up with other organizations to form a network. Find out if there is a national network on
dams in your country. Organize meetings to plan your campaign strategy and discuss actions
to take. Create alliances with NGOs, academics, researchers, lawyers, and technical experts.
Organize marches, demonstrations, strikes, boycotts and blockades to bring attention to your
struggle. These activities are most successful if you target institutions that are making
decisions about the dam. Organize public meetings in towns and cities.
Distribute information
Produce leaflets, posters, reports
and other materials to raise
awareness about the dam and its
potential impacts on your
community. These materials can
be distributed to affected people,
the general public, NGOs around
the country and government
agencies. This is a good way to
publicize your demands.
(20)
Work with the media
Publicize your message using
radio, newspapers and television.
This will help put pressure on the
government and dam builders to
listen to your demands. Call
journalists that have written
about similar issues in the past
and tell them your stories.
Organize a press conference.
Invite the media to your activities.
Keep journalists informed about
your struggle. Ask NGOs and
other support groups to help you
identify different ways of
delivering your message.
Lobby your government
and funders
Meet with decision-makers to tell
them about your concerns.
Convince local and national
government officials, and members of Parliament or Congress to support your demands.
Organize letter-writing campaigns and petitions to target decision-makers in your government
and dam funders. If the dam is being funded by a private bank or a public development bank,
work with international NGOs to target these funders.
Take legal action
Sometimes legal action can be used to delay or halt dams, or to get better compensation for
affected communities. Find a lawyer and find out whether dam builders are breaking any laws.
Many big law firms will work for free for a good cause.
Propose alternatives!
Try to get experts to help you propose alternatives to the dam. (See Chapter 5 for more
information.)
(21)
Brazilians organize to stop Pilar Dam
In the 1990s, powerful foreign companies wanted to build a dam on the Piranga River in
Brazil’s Minas Gerais state. The dam would displace 133 farming families and destroy
fisheries. Thousands of people downstream would be affected by changing water levels in
the river.
Local residents, an NGO, university researchers and church groups formed an alliance to
fight the Pilar Dam. They worked together to find out what impacts the dam would have on
their lives. They read the companies’ studies and found many problems. They shared this
information with government officials who were also worried about dam’s environmental
impact.
The NGO and researchers explained the environmental studies to the community to prepare
them for a public hearing on the dam. They also helped farmers to compare their own
views of their land, livelihoods and resources with that presented in official studies.
The community was well organized for the public hearing. Children read poems about the
Piranga River and residents held up signs telling the company “Fora" (Get Out). Community
leaders made strong statements expressing their concerns. The pressure from local
residents, the criticism of the companies’ environmental impact studies, and the concerns
of government officials forced the companies to cancel the dam project.
When one of the companies tried to build a new dam in the area several years later, people
again said “NO.” They occupied the site where the company was taking measurements for
the dam. After 43 days, the company technicians left. The community is prepared to resist
again if necessary.
(22)
Thai villager research
For the past few years, people living along the
Salween River on the Thai-Burma border have
struggled against their governments’ plans to build
dams along the river. They decided to conduct
research using local knowledge to document how
they are using the river.
For 2 1/z years, Thai Karen ethnic people from 50
villages gathered data on fisheries, traditional fishing
gear, herbs, vegetable gardens and natural
resources. NGO staff and volunteers helped record
data and write the report, but community members
were the primary researchers. The villagers identified many fish, herbs and edible plants
along the river that they depend on for food. The villagers will use the research to prove how
important the river and forest is to their lives.
How to do your own research
Step 1: Organize a meeting with everyone who wants to be part of the research. Invite
people from as many affected villages as possible. Talk about all the ways you depend on
the river for your livelihoods and decide what you want to research.
Step 2: Divide into teams to conduct the research. The teams should include people who
are experts in the area that is being studied. For example, fishers should do the fish research,
and vegetable growers should do the riverbank garden research.
Step 3: Decide what method you want to use for your research. Here are some ideas:
Fisheries: Divide the river into zones. Assign a team of fishers to research each
zone. After every fish catch, collect a sample of species. Organize a meeting so
people can identify each species by its local name. Talk about their habitat, migration
patterns, size, weight and spawning patterns. If you have a camera, take a
photograph of each species that is caught. Put each photo into a book and write all
the information about the fish underneath the photo.
Riverbank Gardens: Divide the river into zones. In each zone, walk along the
riverbank and take measurements of each riverbank garden. Write down who owns
each garden, what each person grows in the garden, and how they use the
vegetables (for example, for eating or selling). If the vegetables are sold at the market,
write down how much money they are sold for.
Step 4: Record your findings. Decide how to use them to influence decision-makers.
(23)
What you can do at each stage of dam building
This section describes the three stages of dam building and specific actions you can take at
each stage. The three main stages of dam building are pre-construction, construction and
operation.
Stage 1: Pre-construction
Duration: 2 to 20 years or longer.
What happens during this
stage?
Before a dam is constructed, dam
builders develop plans and complete
many studies to see whether it is
possible to build the dam. They also
want to see what the dam’s impacts
might be. Most of the studies are
done by foreign companies.
1. Pre-Feasibility Study. This
study makes sure that the
Surveyors and drilling rigs are often the first signs that
dam can be built and
a dam is being planned in your area
operated. It determines
whether the site is suitable for a dam, estimates how much power or water can be
produced, and estimates the dam’s cost.
2. Feasibility Study and Detailed Design. This study looks at information necessary to
build the dam, such as climate, geology, how much water is in the river, etc. If you see
strangers in the area taking measurements and drilling in the ground, then they are
probably doing the feasibility study.
3. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The EIA is supposed to look at the
environmental impacts of the dam. It is also supposed to suggest mitigation measures
for the environmental problems the dam will cause. ElAs usually say that most impacts
can be mitigated and the dam should be built.
4.
Resettlement Plan/Social Development Plan. This includes plans for resettling
people who live in the reservoir area. It also includes plans for compensating other
affected people. Affected people living downstream of the dam are often left out of this
plan.
Once these studies are done, dam builders meet with governments and banks to try to get
funding for the dam’s construction.
(24)
What can you do at this stage?
This is the best time to influence the dam project. If you think the dam will destroy your
community, then try to stop the dam. Learn about what rights you have under your local laws.
Demand that the government organize public hearings so you can debate who benefits and who
loses from the dam. Try to take legal action to stop the dam. Work with experts to develop better
alternatives or compensation plans and publicize these.
Even if your campaign to stop a dam is successful, the government may try to build it again
later. Building strong alliances is important for your long-term struggle.
Review dam studies
Demand that the studies are released to the public. If you are able to get copies of the studies,
find experts to review them and publish their reviews. Expert reviews can identify problems with
the studies and predict what might go wrong if the dam is built.
Do your own studies
Often dams are built without studies that show how people depend on rivers. If the dam is built,
people are less likely to receive full compensation because there is no record of what they have
lost. It is important to record how your community depends on the river. These field surveys can
also highlight the damage the dam might cause. Thai villagers have developed a research
method for doing this called “Thai Villager Research”. (See box on page 23.)
Target the funders
Find out who is likely to fund the
dam. If the funders are from
another country, contact NGOs
in those countries to ask them to
support your campaign. See the
list of contacts at the end of this
guide.
"Don t worry
about what it
says. Just sign
here. Trust me.
Demand legal agreements
If you decide to move, make
sure that you sign a legal
agreement that contains
everything promised to you.
Make sure you understand the
agreement. Do not sign anything
that you do not understand. The
government and dam builders
will often tell you that you will get
new houses and better land, but
this is rarely true
Do not sign anything you do not understand!
(25)
«£> Stage 2: Construction
Duration: 5 to 15 years. Construction often takes longer than predicted. Sometimes this is
because of technical difficulties, and sometimes it is because of corruption.
What happens during this stage?
The construction process for a dam is usually like this:
5. Future reservoir:
1. Cofferdam:
This smaller dam is built to change the
flow of the river. This is done to make
sure the construction area for the main
dam is not covered with water.
Once the dam is built, the
reservoir is filled. It
sometimes takes one year
or more for the reservoir to
fill up.
4. Main dam construction:
It can take several years for
the main dam to be built.
2. Downstream coffer dam:
3. Diversion channel:
Sometimes they have to build a
dam downstream to prevent the river
water from backing up and flooding
the main dam construction area.
he river flows through
this channel while the
dam is being built.
Sometimes a tunnel is
built through the side
of the mountain to
allow the river to flow.
What can you do at this stage?
Your campaign can still be successful even if dam construction has already started. You might
be able to stop construction, get more compensation, or make the project better. It is important
to continue your struggle.
Organize demonstrations
At this stage, some groups try to stop construction from taking place by organizing blockades
and other forms of non-violent direct action. If you cannot do this, then monitor construction
and resettlement. If the dam builder or government does not do what they said they would do,
organize protests and other actions to demand that they keep their promises.
Work with international NGOs
If the dam is funded by a public development bank, work with international NGOs to make sure
the funder receives information about problems with the dam. Sometimes this funder can put
pressure on the dam builder if they are doing construction or resettlement badly. If things are
really bad, the funder may stop giving money until things improve.
(26)
Stage 3: Operation
Duration: Around 50 years (sometimes more, sometimes less).
What happens during this
stage?
After dams are built, they start to
age. Some reservoirs quickly fill
with sediment. Some dams may
become unsafe or even break.
Once a dam has reached the end
of its lifespan, it needs to be fixed
up or decommissioned. Many
groups around the world are
demanding that dams be
decommissioned because of their
impacts on people and rivers.
What can you do at this stage?
Demand reparations
Even if the dam is built, some companies and governments may still have a legal obligation to
provide compensation. You should research whether this applies to you.
Many people around the world who have been affected by dams are demanding reparations, or
compensation for past damages. They are demanding that the agencies that built the dam
(governments, banks and companies) take responsibility for the impacts of the dam and pay
compensation to affected communities. Some have been successful. (See box on next page.)
Demand changes in dam operation
You can also demand changes in dam operation to help the river flow more naturally again. This
is called dam re-operation. This can involve changing the amount of electricity generated at
different times of the day. Or it could mean releasing more water downstream of the dam. Many
groups around the world are fighting for dams to be re-operated.
(27)
Demanding reparations in Guatemala
While Guatemala was in the middle
of a civil war, the government built the
Chixoy Dam in Maya Achi territory. The
Maya Achi are indigenous peoples.
After some people refused to move for
the dam, paramilitary forces killed
about 400 people in 1982. More than
3,500 people were forced off their
lands. Thousands more lost land and
their livelihoods.
For years, survivors lived in extreme
poverty. But they never gave up their
call for justice. Affected people are
now demanding reparations for their
social, physical and economic losses.
The affected communities, together
with some NGOs and a researcher,
produced a study that documents the
dam’s impact on the environment, natural resources, poverty and food supply. This study
has helped to show what the Maya Achi lost and why they deserve reparations.
In November 2004, the communities organized a big protest at the dam site. After occupying
the dam for two days, the government agreed to form a commission to negotiate reparations.
The commission held its first meeting in December 2005.
Says Cristobal Osorio Sanchez, one of the massacre survivors, ‘’Reparations allow us to
restore our dignity and respect for our culture and our rights. Reparations mean we will be
able to provide for our families and live well again, to develop projects to benefit the community
and to increase the capacity of the people. Reparations will help people feel there is a
sense of future. To feel good about life.
• If you have been affected by a
dam, what have you lost since the
dam was built?
• What kind of compensation would
help repair the damage to your
communities?
• Who do you think should pay
reparations to you? The
government? Dam funders?
• What can you do to pressure
those responsible to pay
reparations?
Questions for discussion:
(28)
CHAPTER 5
Alternative to Large Dams
Better options exist to provide water, power and flood protection to people. These options are
often cheaper, faster to build and less harmful for people and the environment than large dams.
Around the world, dam-affected communities and NGOs have gathered information about
alternatives to large dams. They have used this information to pressure their governments to
support better alternatives. Their efforts have helped stop the construction of destructive and
unnecessary dams.
In this chapter, we discuss some alternatives to dams and highlight successful actions
communities and NGOs have taken to support better alternatives. We hope this chapter gives
you ideas about alternatives you can push for in your campaigns. Because every region has
different needs, you will need to figure out the best options for your region.
Alternatives for energy
There are many ways that governments can provide
energy to their citizens. This includes improving existing
power plants and transmission lines, building new energy
sources, and reducing energy demand.
Reduce demand
Governments can reduce energy demand by encouraging
factories, businesses and people living in cities to use
energy more efficiently. This costs less and is better for
the environment than building new power plants and new
dams.
Some tactics for saving energy include helping people to
pay for machines and lights bulbs that use less electricity.
Governments can make companies and citizens that use
electricity-hungry machines pay more taxes.
Compact fluorescent light
bulbs reduce energy use.
Governments can also encourage people and industries to use electricity during different times
of the day. Then fewer power plants and dams need to be built.
(29)
Improve existing dams and transmission lines
Transmission lines carry energy from power plants to
people, cities and factories. In many countries, poor
quality transmission lines can waste a lot of power.
Energy can often be saved by repairing transmission
lines.
Existing dams or power plants can also be improved.
By cleaning plants, removing sediment and making
other technical improvements, power plants can
produce more electricity. These improvements can
cost less and take less time to do than building new power plants.
Build better energy sources
Here are some ways to produce energy that are less
damaging to the environment and communities than big
dams. Many of these options can be used to provide power
to big cities and factories, or to rural villages.
Small hydropower
Small hydropower dams are usually only a few meters tall.
They can be built of earth, stone or wood. Small dams often
do not have reservoirs, so they usually do not displace
people. The flow of the river does not change much. Very
small micro-hydro projects often do not involve a dam. They
divert some water from rivers to generate power.
Small hydropower projects can be set up and managed by
local villagers. In China, India and Nepal, thousands of small
hydro projects supply power to villages and towns.
Biomass energy
In many countries, biomass is a very common energy
resource. Biomass includes all waste material that comes
from plants and animals. Animal and agricultural waste is
used to operate stoves, to produce gas and to heat
buildings.
Biomass can also be used on a large scale. In countries
where sugarcane is produced, companies have started to
burn the stalks of sugarcane to generate electricity. Rice
husks and wood waste can also be used.
(30)
Solar power
Ci"—
4
Solar panels can be put on rooftops to collect the energy of the
sun and use it to heat water or produce electricity. Larger panels
collect more solar heat and produce more energy.
Wind power
c
Wind power is less harmful to the environment than large dams.
In many European countries, such as Germany and Spain, a lot
of energy is produced by wind turbines. Countries such as India,
China, South Africa and Brazil, are now building many wind
turbines to generate clean energy.
Geothermal power
Geothermal power uses heat from inside the earth to produce
energy. This heat warms underground reservoirs of water and
steam. Wells can be drilled to bring the hot geothermal water to
the earth’s surface. This liquid can then be used to make
electricity at power plants. The Philippines and El Salvador
generate about 25 percent of their electricity from geothermal
sources.
NGOs identify better alternatives in Uganda
The Ugandan government and the World Bank
have long said the Bujagali Dam is needed to meet
Uganda’s energy needs. But NGOs in Uganda
wanted to look for alternatives that would be less
environmentally damaging and better for the
people. So they started to investigate large-scale
alternatives.
In April 2003, the National Association of
Professional Environmentalists (NAPE), a
Ugandan NGO, organized a major conference on geothermal energy, the alternative
considered to hold the best promise for Uganda. Geothermal experts from around the world,
government officials, environmental groups and the general public attended the meeting.
After the conference, the Ugandan Ministry of Energy formed a team to study energy
alternatives for the country. Thanks to the efforts of NAPE, hydropower is no longer seen as
the only energy option for Uganda. Better, cheaper and cleaner options, such as geothermal
energy, are now being considered.
Alternatives for water
Rivers and wetlands around the world have been dammed and drained for water supply. But a
lot of this water is wasted by inefficient irrigation and water distribution systems that leak.
People who live in cities also often waste water. If water were managed better, there would be
enough to meet everyone's needs. Below are some ideas that can help.
Reduce demand
Large-scale agriculture uses and wastes a lot of freshwater. Irrigation systems for large farms
often put more water on fields than plants need. The extra water destroys the soil. Other types
of irrigation systems can be used to save water. Drip irrigation uses water more efficiently
because it delivers water directly to the roots of the plants. Drip irrigation saves water and is
better for plants and soil.
Large-scale farmers and big farming companies sometimes grow crops in dry areas that need
a lot of water, such as rice and sugarcane. Water can be saved by encouraging large-scale
farmers and companies to grow crops that do not need so much water.
Collect rainwater
Rainwater harvesting is a cheap and effective way to improve communities’ access to water.
People can put tanks next to their houses and collect rainwater that falls off their rooftops. Large
earth jars can also be used to collect rainwater for household use.
For farming, people often build small dams to collect rainwater as it runs
down hills. Water soaks into the ground. Wells can be built to access the
water. Another method is to build small dams and canals
(32)
Harvesting rain, changing lives
In 1986, the Alwar district in
Rajasthan, India, was like a desert.
People did not have enough water
for their homes and fields. At that
time, the group Tarun Bharat
Sangh (TBS) was formed to
increase the water available for
people and agriculture. The
founders of TBS remembered that
people in Rajasthan used to
collect rainwater. When TBS
started their work, the structures
for collecting rainwater had been
forgotten and nobody used them
any longer.
TBS remembered the forgotten wisdom of rainwater harvesting and rebuilt the small
earth dams that their ancestors had built across rivers to capture and conserve
rainwater. In Rajasthan, there are now more than 10,000 small dams and earth
embankments that collect water for more than 1,000 villages. Thanks to the small dams
and embankments, the groundwater level in the area is higher now and rivers that used
to be dry carry water year-round. This has transformed the lives of around 700,000
people who have better access to water for household use, livestock and crops.
“Generations before us never had the good fortune we have,” says Lachmabai, an
elderly woman from Mandalwas village in Rajasthan. “Because of the water we are
happy, our cattle are happy, and the wildlife is happy. Our crop yields have gone up, our
forest is green, we have firewood, fodder for our cattle, and we have water in our wells.”
Questions for discussion:
•
•
How does this story relate to your community?
Are there traditional systems of rainwater
collection in your area?
•
Would a revival of those systems increase
your access to water?
•
If you were able to get large numbers of
people to supply their own water, would this
help you stop a dam project?
(33)
Alternatives for flood management
Large dams are sometimes built to control floods. However, when there is a really big flood
large dams can make flooding damages worse. There are many ways to reduce floods and
make them less destructive. This includes protecting watersheds and creating flood warning
systems.
Protect and restore watersheds
One of the best ways to reduce damage from floods is to protect and restore watershed areas.
Healthy wetlands, floodplains and forests prevent flooding by holding water. They are like a
sponge. Trees slow the speed of floodwaters and distribute water more slowly over the
floodplain. Wetlands soak up water during storms and whenever water levels are high. When
water levels are low, wetlands slowly release water.
River turned into a tunnel
and straightened. This
increases water speed
during floods.
Forests cut down,
making erosion and
flooding worse.
Houses and
factories built
very close to
river are more
likely to be
flooded.
Wetlands
destroyed to
build houses
and
businesses.
Bad Watershed Management
(34)
Today, many wetlands, floodplains and forests have been destroyed for the construction of
roads, houses and industries. This has increased flooding damages. For better flood control,
these natural resources must be protected. If they have been destroyed, they should be
restored.
Create flood warning systems
Governments can invest in flood warning systems so people know in advance when a flood is
coming. This can save lives and reduce flood damages. Early warning systems tell people living
along the river when flooding is about to occur. This could involve having loudspeakers in towns
and having emergency plans for what to do if a flood occurs. Other systems allow people to
keep track of how much water is in the river. When the water levels rise above a certain level,
people know that flooding is likely.
Houses and
factories built
away from
edge of river.
Wetlands
along
riverbanks
absorb
floodwaters
and protect
buildings from
being flooded.
Good Watershed Management
(35)
Conclusion
We hope this action guide gives you tools and information to help you in your struggle against
destructive dams. We hope the successes of other communities inspire you as you defend
your rights and your livelihood. You are not alone in your struggle.
As dam-affected people and NGOs said in 1997:
“We are strong, diverse and united and our cause is just. We have stopped
destructive dams and have forced dam builders to respect our rights. We have
stopped dams in the past, and we will stop more in the future.”
- Declaration from the ‘‘First International Meeting of People Affected by Dams" in
Curitiba, Brazil in March 14, 1997,
These words have proven true. Together, we can stop destructive dams and defend people’s
rights. Together, we can meet people’s energy and water needs without hurting communities
and the environment.
Together, we can build a better future.
(36)
Regional Contacts
International Rivers Network
1847 Berkeley Way
Berkeley CA 94703, USA
Tel: + 1 510 848 1155
Email: info@irn.org
Web: www.irn.org
Provides support to local communities and
NGOs who are fighting destructive dams.
Africa
African Rivers Network
C/- Mr. Frank Muramuzi
National Association of Professional
Environmentalists (NAPE), Uganda
P.O. Box 29909, Kampala, Uganda
Phone: + 256 77 492362
Email: nape@nape.or.ug
Web: www.nape.or.ug
Network of communities and NGOs
advocating for sustainable use of African
water resources.
Web: www.emg.org.za
Provides support to organizations and
communities working to stop dams and
protect rivers in Africa.
Europe
European Rivers Network
8 rue Crozatier,
43000 Le Puy, France
Phone: + 33 471 02 08 14
Email: info@rivernet.org
Web: www.ern.org
Network of European groups,
organizations and people working to
protect Europe's rivers.
Latin America
Mr. Hope Ogbeide
Society for Water and Public Health
Protection (SWAPHEP), Nigeria
248 Uselu-Lagos Road, Ugbouto, Benin City,
Nigeria
Phone: + 234 803 742 4999
Email: swaphep@yahoo.com
SWAPHEP works to increase local peoples’
access to clean water and to promote the
sustainable management of freshwater
resources in Nigeria.
Ms. Liane Greeff
Environmental Monitoring Group, South Africa
PO Box 13378
7705 Mowbray, South Africa
Tel: + 27 21 448 2881
Email: rivers@kingsley.co.za
(37)
MAB - Movimento dos Atingidos por
Barragens
HIGS Quadra 705, Asa Sul,
Bloco K, Casa 11
Brasilia/DF, Brasil CEP: 70350-711
Phone: + 55 61 3242 8535
Email: mab@mabnacional.org.br
Web: www.mabnacional.org.br
Brazil’s national movement of damaffected people.
Ms. Elba Stancich
Taller Ecologista
Casilla de Correo 441
CP 2000 - Rosario, Santa Fe,
Argentina
Phone: +54 341 426 1475
E-mail: info@taller.org.ar
Web: www.taller.org.ar
Helps coordinate PEDLAR: the Latin
American Network Against Dams, and for
Rivers, their Communities, and Water.
Mr. Gustavo Castro Soto
Edupaz
Periferico Pte.17-8B, Cda.Cuatro Caminos
Col. San Martin; 29240
San Cristobal de Las Casas
Chiapas, Mexico
Phone: + 52 967 631 5474
E-mail: guscastro@laneta.apc.org
Helps coordinate the Mesoamerican
Movement Against Dams.
Phone: +92 51 228 2481
Email: amjad.nazeer@sungi.org
Web: www.sungi.org
Helps communities defend their rights and
get benefits from development projects in
Pakistan.
East and Southeast Asia
Rivers Watch East and Southeast Asia
C/- Joan Carling, RWESA Coordinator
Cordillera People’s Alliance
P.O. Box 975
2600 Baguio City, Philippines
Phone: +63 74 442 2115
Email: joan@cpaphils.org
Web: www.rwesa.org
Network of NGOs and dam-affected people
in East and Southeast Asia working to stop
destructive river development projects.
South Asia
Mr. Himanshu Thakkar
South Asian Network on Dams, Rivers and
People (SANDRP)
86-D, AD block, Shalimar Bagh,
Delhi 110 088, India
Phone: +91 11 2748 4654
Email: ht.sandrp@gmail.com
Web: www.sandrp.in
Shares information on dam-building in India
and provides contacts for dam-fighters in
India.
Ms. Pianporn Deetes
Living Rivers Siam
78 Moo 10, Suthep Road,
Tambol Suthep
Muang Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Phone: +66 53 278 334
Email: pai@chmai2.loxinfo.co.th
Web: www.searin.org
Supports rights of local communities
to their resources and opposes threats to
rivers and ecosystems in mainland
Southeast Asia.
Gopal Siwakoti 'Chintan'
Water and Energy Users Federation-Nepal
G.P.O Box 2125
60 New Plaza Marga
Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone: +977 1 442 9741
Email: gopalchintan@gmail.com
Web: www.wafed-nepal.org
National network of water and energy
project-affected people and local concerned
groups in Nepal. Also helps coordinate
South Asian network of groups working on
dam and river issues.
Friends of the Earth Japan
3-17-24-2F Majiro Toshima-ku
Tokyo 171 -0031, Japan
Phone: +81 3 3951 1081
Email: finance@foejapan.org
Web: www.foejapan.org
Monitors the policies and projects of the
Japan Bank for International Cooperation
(JBIG).
Mr. Amjad Nazeer
Sungi Development Foundation
H.7-A, Street 10, F-8/3
Islamabad, Pakistan
(38)
Indian Social Action Forum (INSAF) is a forum of over 600 trade unions,
peoples movements, NGOs and grassroots groups engaged in resisting
globalization, combating communalism and defending democracy.
INSAF is a democratically governed organization believing in complete
transparency and accountable to its member organizations.
Actions including campaigns, agitations, meetings and publications are
earned out by 15 state units and the national secretariat in New Delhi.
Focussed campaigns and agitations include right to water ( against water
privatization ); food sovereignty right; against international financial
institutions like the World Bank, IMF, WTO and ADB;
communal fascism; armed forces act; etc.
INSAF is actively involved in international campaigns and
networks like the Jubilee South - Asia Pacific Movement on
Debt and Development, reclaiming public water, etc.
For more details, INSAF perspective, publications and contacts:
Visit: www.insafindia.org
INSAF
INDIAN SOCIAL ACTION FORUM
Resist Globalization, Combat Communalism, Defend Democracy
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International Rivers Network
INSAF
linking Human Rights and Environmental Protection
- ,, ,
Indian Social Action Forum
Resist globllsation. Combat Communalism. Defend Demoer00*
- Media
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