14th March, 2009 International Day of Action against Dams, for Rivers, and People

14th March, 2009
International Day of
Dams, for Rivers, and People
Action againstWorldwide,
30-60 million people have already been displaced by large dam
projects over the last 50 years. Dam projects now under construction are
displacing millions more. Pushed into already overcrowded cities or unsuitable
lands, most of these people never recover from the ordeal. The floodplain soils
that reservoirs inundate provide the world's most fertile farmlands; their marshes
and forests the most diverse wildlife habitats. Dams are the main reason onefifth
of the world's freshwater fish is now either endangered or extinct. A dam
tears at all the interconnected webs of river valley life.

The ambitious plan of water resources development in Pakistan envisages in
vision 2025 is a clear indication that whatever the water comes in rivers will be
diverted and utilized upstream. These policy decisions, which are politically
rooted, would have even future serious implications for the poor and voiceless
deltaic communities of Sindh Province.
Water for life, not for death! These words resounded at the First International
Meeting of People Affected by Dams held in Curitiba, Brazil in March, 1997.
From many countries including Taiwan, Brazil, Chile, Lesotho, Argentina,
Thailand, Russia, Europe, and the United States, the dam-affected came
together to share successes, failures, and experiences. In the Declaration of
Curitiba , the delegates’ state:
Over the years, we have shown our growing power. We have marched in our
villages and cities, refused to leave our lands even though we have faced
intimidation, violence and drowning. We have unmasked the corruption, lies and
false promises of the dam industry...
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.
The goal of your action might be to Demonstrate, Educate, or Celebrate. The
important thing is to raise our voices in unison against destructive water
development projects, reclaim the health of our rivers and watersheds, and
demand the equitable and sustainable management of our waterways. By acting
together, we will demonstrate that these issues are not merely local, but global in
scope.
Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) has initiated to organize International Day of
Action against Dams and for Rivers, Water, and Life on March 14th, 2009, will be
held at Almanzar Jamshoro. Day will be commenced sharp 02-00 pm to 05-00
pm. The Conference will attend by water experts, Researchers, Politicians, Civil
Society Organizations and the Communities.