Dams
Powering and disempowering
As economies demand more electricity, the solution governments often provide comes in the form of giant, industrial dams, which are enormously destructive to peoples and the environment. Large dams typically displace thousands of people as water submerges their homes and surroundings. The Narmada dams project of central India, for example, is set to force around 320,000 to find new homes whilst many more would have their livelihoods affected.
Girl of the Narmada valley, India.
Set along fragile river systems, they bring an enormous change in the ecology and overall dynamic of the land and rivers.
Large reservoirs, which are created along with dams, are health hazards as stagnant water encourages insects which transmit serious tropical diseases such as malaria. Tribal peoples depend on rivers for food, drinking and bathing water. To many communities, waterfalls and rapids are sacred places. Yet, all too often, the people who stand to lose most are considered least by planners. It is common for no consultation to take place at all with Indigenous communities at the heart of the affected areas. Download Survival's report on dam impacts
Case studies
From Malaysia to Brazil, new dams are promising electricity to some and devastation to others.
Omo Valley tribes, Ethiopia
A massive dam called Gibe 3 is being built along the Omo River. When completed it will destroy a fragile environment and the livelihoods of eight tribes downstream which are closely linked to the river and its annual flood.
The flawed environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) claims it is possible to have an artificial flood, but according to the NGO Campaign to Reform the World Bank, ‘in the whole of Africa there is not one hydro-electric plant which has succeeded in re-creating such a model’, due to technical difficulties and high costs.
Nor is it clear whether guarantees have been offered that Indigenous communities will be able to participate in the regulation of artificial floods and field irrigation. Among other things, the ESIA did not make a thorough assessment of tribal communities’ land use. Until this is understood it is impossible to assess how they might be affected by the dam. Download PDFs: _International Rivers_ Factsheet, _African Resources Working Group_ commentary and "Survival's letter to the African Development Bank's directors
The Enawene Nawe, Brazil
A series of hydroelectric dams is springing up along the Upper Juruena river that has fed the Enawene Nawe and other Indigenous people for centuries.
The tribe knows that the fish and quality of the water will be severely affected.
Already under siege from loggers, soya production, cattle ranchers and others, they are now resisting this latest threat to their land and way of life. Their recent protest left a dam building site in ruins. It is obvious that they fear their fate is the same as the many other tribal people who have already suffered from such developments. Other Brazilian dams affecting tribal communities include the Madeira River and Belo Monte dams.
The Penan, Malaysia
In 2008, a leaked map exposed the huge dam plans of the national electricity company in Sarawak, Malaysia. The local Penan people, who are familiar with destructive interference from outsiders, now face a new challenge to their land and livelihoods. Blueprints were accidentally posted on the internet for dams that will submerge homes and villages. To make matters worse, these dams are projected to produce far more electricity than Sarawak uses.
Take action
Let the decision-makers behind dam projects know that their plans in spite of tribal peoples are being watched across the world. Your objection can remind them of the seriousness of their choice.
Tell the Ethiopian Prime Minister to halt the Gibe 3.
Write a letter for the Enawene Nawe.
Send a letter urging the government of Sarawak to recognise the Penan's rights.
From Survival's website
Enawene Nawe Penan Omo Valley Madeira River dams, Brazil Belo Monte dam, Brazil _Serious Damage_, Survival's report about the impacts of dams on tribal people
Sign up to the mailing list
Our amazing network of supporters and activists have played a pivotal role in everything we’ve achieved over the past 50 years. Sign up now for updates and actions.