Currents
WHITEWATER PARADISE. DARCY GAETCHER, COURTESY ERI
N E WS
THE ECUADORIAN RIVERS INSTITUTE EVENT HOPES TO PROMOTE PROTECTION OF THE FREE-FLOWING JONDACHI RIVER
The Ecuadorian Rivers Institute (ERI) is reaching out to the whitewater paddling community to support Jondachi Fest, a gathering intended to thwart the construction of a hydroelectric dam. ERI was formed in 2002 after years of studying whitewater rivers in the Ecuadorian Andes; it’s a non-profit organization that advocates for river protection and conser- vation. We spoke with Chandra Brown, the communications director at ERI and Jondachi Fest co-organizer.
Why is ERI opposed to the Jondachi hydroelectric project? It’s important to note that the ERI does not oppose all hydroelectric proj- ects. The ERI opposes the development of this particular project because it is a high cost, high-risk project offering minimal benefits for electricity generation.
Damming the Jondachi would eliminate one of the premier whitewater
paddling destinations in Ecuador, effectively obliterating Ecuador’s sus- tainable tourism-based paddling economy. There are alternatives for hydro development in the country, as well as
opportunities for exploring other renewable energy options. The design of this project is an antiquated, river-wide, cement diversion dam with inad- equate considerations for fish passage no considerations for recreational users. The project will de-water the world-famous Upper Jondachi River, which draws tourists from many countries and contributes over a million dollars to the local economy each year.
Who does the project impact? The Jondachi River is important to local communities for subsistence fishing and other traditional activities. The growing community of local whitewater paddlers is concerned about the loss of one of the best rivers in the country. Local restaurants, hotels, transportation services, and every- one in the tourism sector of Ecuador is dependent on the Jondachi River. International paddlers are also important stakeholders, as they contribute new resources to the local economies.
20 PADDLING MAGAZINE
PADDLING FESTIVAL SEEKS TO THWART DAM CONSTRUCTION
What is the goal of Jondachi Fest? To thwart dam construction, show the Ecuadorian government that the free-flowing Jondachi is a viable economic alternative to hydro develop- ment, and bring the local communities together to reconnect with the river in its free-flowing state. The festival will support the ERI in pursuing a precedent-setting Ecological Corridor
designation, the Jondachi-Hollin-Misahualli-Na-
po—essentially the international equivalent of “wild and scenic river” designation. We want to present Jondachi Fest as a model for watershed conservation, ultimately cultivating and encouraging local investment in local watersheds. International decision makers must be urged to consider biodiversity, ecological connectivity, recreation, and community integrity as economically viable alternatives to natural resource development/ex- ploitation. We want to encourage consideration of the story of a place be- fore changing the entire ecosystem and relationship between land/people that has existed for countless generations.
How can paddlers get involved? We want to get local people and international visitors into the Jondachi River corridor for the three-day festival. The class V Upper Jondachi Race will kick off on Friday, January 16. In the two days that follow, hiking, trekking, and caving excursions in the Jondachi corridor will be led by representatives of local indigenous communities. Indigenous storytellers, musicians, and artists from local river communities will share their work in public celebration of the river. There will be guided kayaking and raft- ing trips on the Middle and Lower Jondachi for Ecuadorians from across all social strata. Local activists and leaders will present educational, en- vironmental, and artistic workshops and seminars. At night, photos and video from the Jondachi River will be projected and celebration of the river will ensue! —Emma Drudge
This interview was edited for print.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62