WATER ABLAZE - Patagonia Sin Represas

organisations to its cause, so that pressure can be put on the Turkish
government to implement new water policies. Meanwhile, as dam
projects such as Ilisu, Yusufeli, Allianoi and Munzur grind to a halt,
countless other new dams and hydroelectric schemes are being planned
throughout the whole of the country. In addition to local and regional
protests, we now need a strong campaign at national and international
level.
w w w . h a s a n k e y f g i r i s i m i . c o m (Turkish)
w w w . s t o p i l i s u . c o m (English/German/French)
Worldwide, there are more than 40,000 large dams with reservoirs
more than 15 metres deep. The terrible ecological, cultural and social
effects produced by these dams are only too well-known.
Turkey looks set to become even harder-pressed still: the
government intends to privatise the country’s rivers in order to bring
the money rolling in. Hilmi Güler, the Minister for Energy and Natural
Resources, announced the proposed sale of 12 or 13 rivers and lakes to
private companies for a period of 49 years, a move which would enrich
the government by over $3 million. These rivers include the Euphrates
and the Tigris, both of which are vital to neighbouring Iraq’s water
supply. Because these private companies would also be responsible
for providing drinking water and water for irrigation, the river would
be branched off even more than it has been up to now. The Turkish
government will probably brush aside any questions as to whether or
not the privatisation of rivers and lakes is actually legal under national
law – like it has ignored its obligation to consult with neighbouring
states downstream, as stipulated by international treaties.
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