Ecuador’s rivers are under heavy pressure right now from a government that is eager for development. There is a long list of rivers in Ecuador that the government is looking to dam to generate hydro power (if you’ve read this blog before, you know that the classic Jondachi River is another one of them). Now, I’m not arguing that all dams and river projects are bad and should be stopped, but they should be well thought out and planned, taking into consideration the cost to loss ratio, respecting national park and ecological reserve boundaries, impact on local communities, etc…Unfortunately, many of the projects being proposed in Ecuador right now are NOT doing these things. They are moving ahead full steam with little consideration to the local population or the environment.
The Topo River, near the town of Banos, is currently under fire. Besides being an awesome river for kayaking (it’s 9 miles of great, continuous Class IV+ and V), this river forms part of the Llanganates-Sangay Ecological Corridor, which was recognized as a “Gift to the Earth” by the WWF in December, 2002, for its outstanding biodiversity and habitat.
Here’s what you can do to help:
I’ve just gotten this email from Matt Terry who is down in Ecuador working his butt off on behalf of the rivers:
It is expected that the Ecuadorian government will issue the environmental license for the Topo Hydroelectric Project in the coming days. This will allow the project to begin construction, despite widespread local opposition.
Please help us to voice your concern about the decision to develop the Topo Hydroelectric Project and persuade the President and government decision-makers in Ecuador to maintain the integrity of the Topo River and the Llanganates-Sangay Ecological Corridor. Urge them to consider other alternatives for developing secure and renewable energy for Ecuador, and provide permanent protection for the Topo River to keep it as a wild, free-flowing river for the enjoyment of future generations.
Go to this link to send your letter:
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2486/t/8800/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1070
Please forward this message to your friends so that this important initiative will have more impact.
Thanks for your help in keeping the Topo River wild and free-flowing!
Regards,
Matt Terry
Executive Director
Ecuadorian Rivers Institute
PO Box 17-07-9762
Quito – Ecuador
TEL 011-593-62-887-438
CEL 011-593-94-448-277
FAX 011-593-62-888-888
USA/TEL 970-626-6022
USA/FAX 888-353-9849
info@kayakecuador.com
www.kayakecuador.com
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