Dear all,
I would like to share some news regarding the plight of several indigenous Ngabe and campesino communities who are under extreme threat from illegal dam development out here in Panama.
In less than two months, the 28.85 megawatt Barro Blanco hydroelectric dam will cut off the flow of the Tabasara river and create a 258 hectare reservoir, flooding numerous homes, precious gallery forests, schools, churches, cemeteries, archaeological sites, and fertile agricultural land that the communities rely upon for subsistence agriculture – these facts have been confirmed by a recent UN field study. The dam will also exterminate vital fish species which form a staple of local diets.
The company responsible for the dam, Genisa, denies it is taking food out of the mouths of Panama’s poorest people, yet it has never consulted any of the affected communities. As such, the project contravenes international and national laws.
Despite striking omissions in the project's environmental impact assessment, the Panamanian government continues to side with the company and are currently militarising the area with heavily armed SENAFRONT police troops. Recent clashes with riot squads have left some Ngabe protesters with injuries and the situation remains tense. We are concerned about the on-going safety of the Ngabe as they appear to be willing to sacrifice their own lives to prevent the completion of this project.
I would be extremely grateful if you could take some time to watch and share a recently released 40 minute documentary (links below), Nagare Barro Blanco, filmed in the indigenous and campesino settlements of Kia, Nuevo Palomar, and Calabacito in February 2013. It explores the endangered culture of the Tabasará communities, their fierce resistance to dam development, and their willingness to protect their natural resources and way of life at any cost. I realise some of you are very busy, but fortunately the makers have also released a 2 minute trailer.
Thank you for your time,
Richard Arghiris
NAGARE BARRO BLANCO - 2 MINUTE TRAILER:
http://vimeo.com/62037639NAGARE BARRO BLANCO - FULL FILM:
http://vimeo.com/61954954
http://richardarghiris.com
No comments:
Post a Comment