Dam construction is a menace to tribal peoples across the world.
Once-stable river basins become flooded and river beds diverted as governments look for ways to increase electricity output.
Local people usually suffer most, being forced off their land as the resources they depend on disappear or deteriorate.
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.
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.
From Malaysia to Brazil, new dams are promising electricity to some and devastation to others.
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.
A leaked map recently 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.
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.
Write a letter for the Enawene Nawe.
Send a letter urging the government of Sarawak to recognise the Penan’s rights.
