Patagonia Dam Shame

There's nothing like a good protest to stop a dam mistake. And the Berkeley, Calif.–based International Rivers Network is orchestrating a global protest to stop the construction of five large dams planned for two prized rivers in one of the world's last remaining extensive regions of pristine nature: Patagonia in Chile. The group in is targeting the Home Depot company with demonstrations and letters. In late May, the group flew a giant "Dam Home Depot" banner over the company's annual shareholders meeting in Atlanta, Ga.

The International Rivers Network says Home Depot is purchasing $50 million in wood products from Chile's Matte Group, whose owners also control the Colbun energy company, which is a major partner in the Patagonia dam venture called HidroAysén. With enough pressure on Home Depot to take its business elsewhere, it just might make the Matte family have second thoughts about its spectacular boondoggle in Patagonia.

Beyond these dams upsetting the ecological balance, tourism economy, and unique way of life of locals in southern Patagonia, the project would require the construction of the world's longest power line, an incredible 1,250-mile eyesore that would cut through numerous parks, reserves and communities on its way northbound to Chile's capital, Santiago. Rational minds with less of a financial self-interest say Chile has better alternatives for its energy supply, like leaving behind 1950s technology for 21st-century renewables like solar and wind.

Photo courtesy of International Rivers Network.