In a controversial move, the Board of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved three large hydro dam projects, despite concerns raised by civil society on the extensive adverse social and environmental effects these projects can have. This development has to be seen very critically, especially considering past negative experiences under the Clean Development Mechanism …
Read more “UN climate fund should learn from past mistakes and reject large hydro dam projects”
Dear Special Rapporteurs, We, the undersigned organisations, want to draw your attention on the worrying situation faced by the local communities affected by the Barro Blanco hydroelectric dam located in the Ngäbe-Bugle Comarca (autonomous territory), in Western Panama, and kindly ask you to carry out an on-site visit in order to meet with the communities …
Read more “Open letter to UN Special Rapporteurs: request to carry an on-site visit to assess situation regarding Barro Blanco”
At the COP 22 climate conference in Marrakesh, countries continued debating the review of the UN’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), which will serve as a model for the newly established Sustainable Development Mechanism (SDM). Parties generally shied away from controversial topics, such as demands to establish a grievance mechanism. In order for the CDM review …
Read more “Still no closure for UN offsetting scheme review”
On September 17, Ngäbe people rejected an agreement between top representatives and the government, signed only a month before. In the meantime, the test filling of the reservoir resumed which has flooded affected communities. Carbon Market Watch along with 80 other local and international NGOs, have called on the Panamanian authorities to withdraw the Barro …
Read more “Barro Blanco: communities flooded despite rejected agreement – NGOs ask for withdrawal of CDM’s registration”
. . Dear Minister Endara, We, the undersigned, urge you to withdraw Panama’s letter of approval for the Barro Blanco hydroelectric project to be registered under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), in light of the severe environmental and human harms it is causing. As adopted by the CDM Executive Board at its 76th meeting, the …
Read more “Open letter calling Panama’s Environment Minister for the withdrawal of Barro Blanco’s registration under the Clean Development Mechanism”
Faced with intense national and international pressure, Panamanian authorities suspended the flooding of the Barro Blanco reservoir two weeks after it began. International lenders are being pressured by international NGOs as they have a key role in settling the situation. On May 22nd, Panama’s National Authority for Public Services (ASEP) announced a “test flooding” of …
Read more “Barro Blanco: flooding suspended, international lenders pressured to act”
Scroll down for French and Spanish In a move to bring the contentious Barro Blanco hydro dam project towards its completion, the Panamanian authorities have given the green light to begin flooding the reservoir. Affected indigenous communities still oppose the project, refusing to leave their endangered lands. Carbon Market Watch and other international NGOs have …
Read more “Barro Blanco: Panama urged to suspend hydro dam flooding amid growing concerns over human rights violations”
Dear President Varela, We, the undersigned organisations, are deeply concerned for the personal safety and security of the Ngäbe communities, affected by the Barro Blanco Hydroelectric Power Plant Project, who are determined to stay and defend their sacred lands, regardless of the ongoing flooding. We urge you to protect their life and their integrity and …
Read more “Open Letter to the President of Panama: Immediate suspension of test flooding in Barro Blanco”
Washington DC, Bonn, Kiad, Panama 24 May 2016 – Today the floodgates were opened on the contentious UN backed Barro Blanco hydro dam in Panama, sparking forced removal by authorities of indigenous Ngäbe communities that are living in protest camps near the dam site. With construction finished, GENISA, the company that owns and operates the …
Read more “Barro Blanco: Flooding begins on UN approved hydro dam as indigenous defenders are forcefully removed”
24 April 2016 Dear Mr Buendia, Dear Mr Wolke, We, the April 10 Movement for the Defense of the Tabasará River (M-10), Alianza para la Conservación y el Desarrollo (ACD) and Asociación Ambientalista de Chiriqui (ASAMCHI), are writing to provide stakeholder comments regarding the ongoing human rights concerns associated with the Barro Blanco Hydroelectric Power Plant …
Read more “Stakeholder comments regarding ongoing human rights concerns associated with the Barro Blanco Hydroelectric Power Plant Project (CDM Project #3237)”
