Newly anticipated dams are expected to generate cheaper electricity and enhance irrigation, but they are severely destroying water sources and causing economic and environmental damage, a report from a leading environmental group stated today, November 14.
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WWF warns that dams are devastating water sources and causing economic and environmental damage |
The report published by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) notes that new dams could destroy wetland areas, which serve as natural sponges to retain water and cannot be replicated by human-made reservoir activities.
“Small rivers around the world and the communities that depend on them are facing threats of water source destruction, as well as economic and environmental damage,” WWF stated in the report assessing the environmental damage of six major dam projects globally.
Dams will flood valleys, destroy fishing grounds, and pose threats to species such as the Iberian lynx and the North American jaguar, which have their natural habitats in the valleys that are at risk of being submerged.
In Belize, a $30 million dam was built to reduce electricity imports, but local residents only witnessed soaring prices upon its completion. It also flooded 1,000 hectares of tropical rainforest.
Meanwhile, in Iceland, another project is expected to flood hundreds of habitats of the rare pink-footed goose and destroy some living areas of Iceland’s unique reindeer herd.
In Laos, approximately 5,700 villagers will need to find relocation due to a dam project funded by the World Bank. At least 50,000 people who rely on the river where this dam is being built will also be affected as water flows are redirected.
“This is not a golden age of science like the 1950s when dams were seen as symbols of development. We know that dams can cause significant damage, and we must consider this issue,” said Jamie Pittock of WWF.
TUONG VY (According to AP)
