International Day of Action against Dams, for Rivers, and People

Background of the day:
Worldwide, 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 one-fifth 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.