Impressions of Guna Yala Panama

http://www.hueiyenlanpao.com/articles/item/18784-impressions-of-guna-yala-panama

 

On a cloudy mid afternoon of 20 March 2014, our small Air Panama plane flew over vast forest of Kuna Yala territory in Panama and lands in a strangely small airport in Ustupo Island which is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. The sea waves breaks on the edge and sides of the runway and the soft and moist winds from the sea swept over continuously. A short boat ride reaches us to the main Ustupu Island, inhabited by the Guna indigenous people of Panama.

Guna elders and women in traditional attires received us as we visit the island for a four day international training workshop on climate change. Traditional Guna houses made from reeds and coconut leaves abound where children and women peek from windows and doorsteps wearing  curious looks on yet another 'outsiders' entering their territory. The children's playful and happy laughter permeates the environ in the Ustupu village as they greets us with innocent and happy grin. Many children happily paddle their canoes past their village waters. The village air is filled with bountiful freshness of cool breezes from Caribbean Sea continuously sweeping around. One is simply mesmerized in the freshness of the air and purity of the land.

As the Traditional Chief and villagers of Ustupo welcomed us in the Kuna Congress traditional hut and as the elders of the village shared on Kuna peoples' history of struggles to defend their land from colonial expansionism, to preserve and promote their cultures, survival dependence over their land, forest, waters, one could feel the vision and maturity of the people of this land, a vision which can contribute in healing the wounds of our mother earth.

As days ensured, Kuna Yala territory's enchanting beauty unfolds as the blue sea waters turns silvery in evenings and as the trees sways in unisons in gushing wind. As we traversed its waters, surrounding islands and its deep green forest as part of our training, the life of the land, the synergy between the people and the land, the deep inseparable relationship is revealed further. The Guna people here are blessed with bountiful land and majestic green forest amidst the mighty blue waters. The land here is also blessed because of the people in it. The people and the land complement each other in securing their sustenance and life.

The Guna People are well known all over for rejecting one of the most infamous market based solution to global climate crisis, christened as 'REDD' (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) project, which envisage to target their enchanting forest for Carbon Trading project, which will allow rich developed countries to continue to pollute the earth. The Panama REDD programme is being implemented by the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation and the United Nations Environment Programme, together with the Panama National Environment Authority. The proponents of the REDD program in embarking on false climate change solutions are rendered meaningless in this land, simply by the visionary thoughts and wise resolve of the Guna people, a decision evolved through a series of community oriented consultations, reflections through their traditional institutions.

The Guna people feared once the REDD is implemented, communities will be restricted from their free and unhindered access to their traditional forest with corporate controlling their land. And with the sea level rises, they will have nowhere to settle once their islands are submerged. The perception of forest as mere carbon stocks, rather than as source of 'life', the complexity of the mechanism, the potential for corruption and disruption of community fabric due to involvement of huge amount of money for compensation etc are some of the specific reasons of Guna peoples rejecting REDD projects in their territory and land. Land is life and much dearer to financial compensations.

Guna Yala is, indeed, the land where the ideas of technocrats, economist, corporate and scientists are put into test and where ultimately, the will and wishes of the people to be free with their mind and deeds prevails. The Guna peoples' resolves also exposes the fallacies and nuances of false solutions to climate change. One wonders what guides the wisdom of the people to defend their inherent rights, when many of the world's indigenous peoples are still grappling on how best to respond and as many are caught unaware and rendered helpless by the strong waves of imperialist globalization, development onslaught and brute and reckless militarism.  The Guna people consider their land as sacred, as their mother and giver of life, something which is just inseparable for their own survival and being. Without the land and the forest, the people simply cannot survive and they will lose everything, their cultures, their traditional knowledge and most importantly their future.

The decision and resolve of Guna people against REDD is significant as the Government of India and the Government of Manipur through the National and Manipur State Action Plan on Climate Change envisaged aggressive push for REDD+ and creation of reservoirs over river systems of the region to mitigate climate change. However, such initiatives will only limit communities' access to forest land, promote mono plantations and destroy forest and peoples livelihood. Development processes and pursuance of false climate change solutions will only led to more corporatisation and privatisation of the land, commodification and commercialization of indigenous peoples' lives and future. Indigenous peoples of Manipur and India's North East has tonnes to learn from Guna people.

The yearnings for self determination are strong and are unique to the people of this land. Democratic values and practices best prevails here at a time when democratic practices wanes and fast disappears in a fast changing world. This is the land where children plays freely, where the trees sway their branches freely, where waves breaks freely and where people think and act freely. Its people and women are heartious, welcoming and beautiful. This is the land where children dance and sing with their elders and learning their cultures and traditional knowledge in living practice. The land is where values and practices of political functioning best prevail. Determined are the people that they opt nothing less than full defence of their land by themselves. A land where the ever gushing wind drives the freshness of the ideas and new vision that runs deep and one could feel it strong. Guna Yala is where people best expressed their cultures and political belief successfully withstanding strong winds of changes. The people here strongly guarded their wish to decide for them and this is exactly what the people here did while rejecting false climate crisis solutions.

The wise words, caring thoughts of Kuna elders' runs heavy, with endless and limitless space accorded to youths of generations to freshen their mind, to sharpen their thoughts and vision and to develop and strengthen their leadership and wisdom, to nurture their land and future.  There's increasing influence of the world, such as its seas accumulates trash. However, guided by the wisdom and care of the elders, Guna's children are learning and practicing to keep the ocean clean, its land pure to keep their future safe.

The Guna people by rejecting REDD had already set a global example. The present day climate crisis is only an outcome of continued pursuance of insatiable greed by profit mongering corporations and imperialist countries and their insistence on over consumption and over production, which led to usurping of indigenous peoples land and resources. The real solution to climate crisis lies in promoting the right to self determination of all indigenous peoples, ending capitalist growth and development model, promoting multicultural models of development as well as sustainable ways of life as practiced by indigenous peoples worldwide. Other Indigenous peoples of Panama such as the Ngobe people also rejected Barro Blanco Dam, which is projected as clean and renewable source of energy under the Clean Development Mechanism of UNFCCC. Such project actually sees 'red' blood flowing from victims of communities killed by Government troopers for protesting the dam.

One hopes the children of Guna Yala continues to play merrily and freely for coming generations and the birds chirp melodiously without fear, and the spirit of the Guna people to defend their land and to determine their future grows stronger as the days descends into future. The political thoughts and beliefs of the Guna today transcends beyond borders and now a guiding light for many reeling in endless uncertainties and darkness. The resolve of Guna Yala had already inspired peoples worldwide and Manipur and the rest of the region can never be an exception.

Media Reportage on Workshop on mapithel dam on 5th March 2014.

Workshop on Mapithel dam held

http://www.thesangaiexpress.com/page/items/37615/workshop-on-mapithel-dam-held 

IMPHAL, Apr 5: Halting the Mapithel Dam construction until a review to comply with International human rights and indigenous peoples rights on the dam construction is done and obtaining mandatory environment and forest clearance under the Forest Rights Act, 2006 are amongst other recommendations made during a one day workshop on Mapithel dam and its impacts held at Riha Village in Ukhrul District today.

The workshop was jointly organised by the Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization (MDAVO), the Citizens Concern for Dams and Development and the Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur.

The recommendations adopted today included conducting detailed impact assessment of Mapithel dam covering social, health, environmental, cultural, livelihood, seismic, economic impacts; resumption of the Expert Review Committee to work out a comprehensive Rehabilitation and Resettlement program for affected people and to comply with the recommendations of the World Commission of Dams and the provisions of UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The workshop was attended by around 80 participants from the villages of Riha, Thoyee, Chadong and Ramrei. Thanmi Kashung, Advisor of MDAVO; Phulindro Konsam, Chairman, CHR; Jiten Yumnam, Jt Secretary, CCDD and Sanaton, President of CRAM spoke as the resource persons.

Thanmi Kashung of MDAVO in his presentation stressed that the Mapithel Dam will entail loss of agriculture land, forest, rivers and other survival sources of several communities. He questioned whether Mapithel Dam is for real development of Manipur or for the communities along Thoubal River. He stressed the importance of youths in safeguarding the integrity of the land and the future of the children.

Phulindro Konsam spoke on how the forcible nature of construction of Mapithel Dam constitutes a human rights violation of indigenous peoples. The brute use of force by security forces on communities demanding rights and justice due to Mapithel dam construction and the extensive militarization in and around Mapithel dam is a clear case of rights violations and also undermining the right to free, prior and informed consent of communities.

Jiten Yumnam of CCDD spoke on how the Mapithel Dam construction constitutes a violation of Indian environmental laws and other international human rights and indigenous peoples’ development standards. He stressed the need for unity and solidarity among the communities affected by Mapithel dam.

“Work out Rehabilitation program for Maphithel Dam affected people”

http://www.ifp.co.in/nws-20431-work-out-rehabilitation-program-for-maphithel-dam-affected-people/

 

IMPHAL, APRIL 5: A joint one day workshop was organised by the Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organisation (MDAVO), The Citizens Concern for Dams and Development and the Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur on Mapithel dam and its impacts at Riha village in Ukhrul District today.

Resource persons Thanmi Kashung, advisor of MDAVO, Phulindro Konsam, chairman, Committee on Human Rights, Jiten Yumnam, Jt. Secretary, Citizens Concern for Dams and Development and Sanaton, president of Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur and around 80 participants from nearby villages participated in the workshop, informed a MDAVO press release.

In his presentation Thanmi Kashung stressed over the loss of agricultural land and forests, said the release.

Phulindro Konsam spoke on the violation of indigenous people due to the forcible nature of construction of the Mapithel Dam, while Jiten Yumnam spoke on how the Mapithel Dam construction constitutes a violation of Indian environmental laws and other International Human Rights and indigenous peoples' development standards, it said.

The workshop was organised to stop construction of dam till consent of all affected communities and the mandatory livelihood, health, economic impacts, environment and forest clearance are taken up, it continued.

The workshop further adopted that the Expert Review Committee to work out a comprehensive Rehabilitation and Resettlement program for affected people and the recommendation of the World Commission of Dams and the provisions of UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to comply in the review of Mapithel dam, etc. the release said.

ASIA PACIFIC CSOS EXPRESS CONCERN OVER SHRINKING CIVIL SOCIETY SPACE, STRONG PRIVATE SECTOR PUSH

CSO representatives from countries across the Asia Pacific expressed resounding concern last March 10-11 over the shrinking civil society space in the region in the recently concluded Asia-Pacific Regional Consultation on Building Evidence in Seoul, Korea.

“Organisations who are into public policy or are into rights-based work are severely curtailed,” according to CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness (CPDE) Asia Focal Person Azra Sayeed as she discussed some of the challenges faced by Asia Pacific CSOs in defending enabling environment in law and in practice.

“It just shows you the level of barriers that we really have to overcome just to ensure some amount of credibility to our work,” she added.

The two-day meeting is part of a series of regional consultations that aim to gather inputs from all stakeholders to shape the substance of the first Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation (GPEDC) High-Level Meeting (HLM) in Mexico this coming April.

 Tied Aid and the Private Sector

Seeing the strong push for private sector involvement in development, CSO representatives signaled caution on the increasing role of multinational corporations and tied aid in closing spaces for civil society engagement. Private sector-led development is also an issue of urgent concern to Asia Pacific CSOs as businesses in the region often operate freely without regulatory mechanisms that ensure compliance to human rights standards.

Jiten Yumnam of the Center for Research and Advocacy in Manipur (CRAM) reiterated the need to establish regulatory mechanisms that will ensure respect for human rights and democratic ownership of development results at the country level. He further noted the situation of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in India that in many cases distort national priorities and disregard human rights standards.

In his presentation, Yumnam made reference to large-scale dam and mining projects in India that lack public consultation and often lead to widespread displacement and violation of indigenous peoples’ rights. He also pointed out the limited space for communities to seek redress for human rights violations and emphasized the need to include civil society voices in determining local development priorities.

“If private sectors are to be true partners in development, they must collaborate in ways that improve the social and economic rights of marginalized populations,” Yumnam added.

Don Marut of YAKKUM, in his discussion on Middle Income Countries, cited cases in Indonesia where ‘aid is tied to giving up national resources’ only to be exploited by corporations that are based in donor countries. Furthermore, Ahmed Swapan of VOICE raised questions on how local industries in Bangladesh pay taxes thrice as much as those imposed on MNCs. Swapan also made reference to as much as US$10 billion of illicit capital flows in Bangladesh caused by big multinational corporations evading local taxes.

“It’s a whole breadth of profit-making agencies who really want to ensure that they have easy access to our resources and to our lands, and that nobody creates any hurdles while they extract,” quipped Sayeed as she explained the alarming link between private sector involvement and shrinking space for civil society action.

‘Progress is undeniably slow’

Banking on the promises made in Busan, Asia Pacific CSOs also expressed frustration over the slow progress of implementation especially on CSO enabling environment commitments.

CPDE Co-Chair and IBON International Director Antonio Tujan, Jr. particularly mentioned the failure of development actors to create an enabling environment for CSOs and further pushed for the HLM communiqué to make reference to ‘shrinking CSO spaces.’

“Our overall assessment is that two years after these [Busan] commitments were made, there is lack of political will to implement the overall agenda, and progress is undeniably slow,” said CPDE Co-Chair and PIANGO Executive Director Emele Duituturaga during her presentation in the session on inclusive development and progress since Busan.

“Let’s keep the promise of Busan at the forefront of our minds, lest we forget,” she reminded.

During the communiqué consultations, Tujan demanded ‘stronger wording’ on the full implementation of Accra and Paris commitments. He also pointed out the need for an Action Plan that will accelerate the implementation of Busan agreements.

Among other issues, Tujan also raised the possibility of a non-executive co-chair in the GPEDC that will represent civil society, parliamentarians, the private sector and other non-governmental development actors. The presence of a non-executive co-chair, according to Tujan, would make the leadership of the Global Partnership ‘truly inclusive.’

The outcome of the Asia-Pacific consultation is set to feed into the Communiqué that will be agreed by heads of governments, civil society representatives, United Nations officials, business leaders and international organisations in Mexico City on April 15-16.##

MEDIA REFLECTIONS OF INTERNATIONAL RIVERS DAY TO PROTECT RIVERS IN MANIPUR , 14 MARCH 2014

Protest meet & rally mark Intl Rivers Day observance     
The Hueiyen Lanpao, 15 March 2014

http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=30..150314.mar14   

Imphal, March 14, 2014 : The Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization, the Citizens Concern for Dams and Development, the Committee on the Protection of Natural Resources in Manipur and the Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur jointly celebrated the International Rivers Day today at Thoubal River (Yangwuikong River) at Riha Village along Mapithel Range in Ukhrul District, Manipur with a public consultation followed by a mass protest rally.

The celebration was organised to observe the importance of the rivers in sustaining life and health of the Earth, was attended by communities affected by the ongoing construction of the Mapithel Dam of the Thoubal Multipurpose Hydroelectric project and environmental activists, Ms Aram Pamei, Co-Chairperson of Citizens Concern for Dams and Development and Mr.Joseph Hmar, Secretary of Citizens Concern for Dams and Development (CCDD) and representatives of Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization.

'No review No Mapithel Dam'

Ms Aram Pamei, Co-convenor of CCDD explained the significance rivers in sustaining life and expressed concern with the increased introduction of large hydropower projects such as Mapithel dam and 1500 MW Tipaimukh dam and several other dams in Manipur.
She outlined how present day generation inherited our rivers, forest and land from our forefather and not from the government, and how the present day generation has the responsibility to safeguard and protect the resources from its exploitation by the government and profit mongering corporations.
Joseph Hmar, Secretary of CCDD expressed his reservation towards the increasing corporatisation and privatisation of land, river and other natural resources, particularly damming of rivers of Manipur and across the India's North East region. Damming industries has become a very profitable business whose benefits have been confined to the few corporate at the cost of the lives of indigenous people.
The necessity to take Free Prior and Informed Consent, to conduct social, environment impact assessment and to recognize communities' rights over land, forest and waters is blatantly violated in pursuing such mega dam development in the region.
Mr. Thanmi Kashung of Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization expressed his reservation towards welfare policies and projects that don't benefit the common mass for which the projects were taken up.
He exclaimed to "Think globally, act locally".
The representatives from different villages affected by Mapithel dam such as Riha, Thoyee, Chadong, Lamlai Khunou etc shared their views and experiences of the Thoubal River on their livelihood and culture.  A representative from Thoyee expressed the significance of Yangwui Kong River on people's survival, securing them self sufficiency.
A representative from Chadong village has expressed resentment towards the half hearted ERC of the government which has in due course of time created social divisions. Rajesh Ningthoukhongjam, Secretary General of Lifewatch has expressed that any development initiatives that affect people and environment should be subjected to thorough review.
The impact of projects on people should be assessed.
Sanaton Laishram, President, Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur expressed the necessity to strengthen communities resolve and determination to strive for a sustainable and secure future for all communities of Manipur depending on land, rivers, wetlands, forest etc for livelihood and survival.
The participants of the International River day celebration resolved that the Thoubal River (Yangwui Kong) is the life, source of history, culture, livelihood and identity of communities along the River; they would protect the Thoubal River, preserve it and to ensure its Free Flow; they reaffirm the call to "LET THE THOUBAL RIVER (YANGWUI KONG) FLOW FREE"; the ongoing Mapithel dam construction on Yangwuikong River/ Thoubal River is giving a widespread devastation on people and environment, so the Mapithel Dam should be reviewed at any cost to respect the wishes, aspiration and demands of all affected communities; and they would protect their future, defend their land and river at all cost.

State observes Int’l Day of Action for Rivers and Against Dam

The Imphal Free Press, 15 March 2014

http://www.ifp.co.in/nws-20103-state-observes-int-l-day-of-action-for-rivers-and-against-dam/

IMPHAL, March 14: The International rivers day observation was held today at Yangwui kong, Thoubal river at Riha, jointly organized by Mapithel Dam Affected Villager Organization (MDAVO), Citizen Concern for Dam and Development (CCDD), Centre for Research and Advocacy of Manipur (CRAM) and Committee on Protection of Natural Resource of Manipur (CPNRM).
Speaking during the observation, Ningthoukhongjam Rajesh general secretary of Life Watches, highlighting the beginning of the International rivers day observation that began since 1997 in Brazil, asserted that in the last 20 years that more than 40 major dam were build and more than 40 million people were displaced.
Voicing his strong opposition against such projects, he explained that the people not only have the right to know about the plan and program but also have the right to comment and raise their voices.
Maintaining that the people have every right to protect their natural resources, Aram Pamei, Co-chairperson of CCDD suggested that every Government should give prior concern on the safety and rights of indigenous people while implementing a project.
She further contended that the people must not hesitate to raise their objection if their rights are infringed.  Secretary of CCDD Joseph Hmar, CRAM Sanaton Laishram, and Puspa Koijam CRAM and other activists also attended the observation. At the concluding part of the observation a rally was also organized with participation of 100 of people.
Our Bishnupur correspondent add: The International Day of Action for Rivers and Against Dam was on Friday observed with the theme “Rivers Unite Us” at Khordak Community Hall, Khordak Nimai PAjeng in Thanga Assembly constituency.
The day was observed with slogan of “Save the Khordak River and its Sister Rivers; Decommission Khordak Dam and Ithai” and it was jointly organised by CORE, ALLAFUM, IP, KWYO, KIC, SAYO and YASOK in association with ACTIP, AMUCO, COHR, FRIENDS, HRI, NEPA, IPSA, NEDF, NIPCO, PRDA, PALNRO, REACHOUT and UCM. N Irabot, H Ibotombi Khuman and S Ibopishak attended the function as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
Our CCPUR correspondent adds: International day of action for river was observe   with the theme “save the Khuga River – Save Churachandpur’’ organized by Centre for Organization Research and Education (CORE),North East  People’s Alliance (NEPA) in Collaboration with North East India Outlook (NEIO). The chief guest of the occasion Mr Nengkhanlun general secretary MHJU said that the day is imitated from Brazil where 20 countries gathering there to ponder upon the degrading condition of the river around the world.
The chief guest also said that “the River is like human blood that sustains the human life” and continued that “we are making a big mistake having constructed Khuga dam as it is the main source of the water and eco imbalances, which was originally known as Tuitha River by the people in Lanka area”. He urged the organizers to organize such program so as to bring awareness to the people of the area in general.
During the occasion, the resource person Ram Wangkheirakpam said that “we must take cognizant of the drying up of Nambol and Thoubal River which had dried out due to the excessive exploitation of the river and also due to the mismanagement by the public who made it their garbage bin.” The most important factor, he said, for this kind of degradation was mainly due to three factors namely dams, waste product of the people and encroachment. Later on, the volunteers of NEPA and NEIO cleaned and sanitized the area of the Tuitha River at Saidan village area.

International Rivers Day celebrated in Ukhrul District, Manipur along Thobal (Yangwuikong) river

The North East Today, March 14th, 2014

http://www.tntmagazine.in/cover-story/international-rivers-day-celebrated-in-ukhrul-district-manipur-along-thobal-yangwuikong-river/

 

TNT News Imphal: The Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization, the Citizens Concern for Dams and Development, the Committee on the Protection of Natural Resources in Manipur and the Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur jointly celebrated the International Rivers Day at Thoubal River (Yangwuikong River) on 14th March 2014 at Riha Village along Mapithel Range in Ukhrul District, Manipur with a public consultation followed by a mass protest rally. The celebration, organised to observe the importance of the rivers in sustaining life and health of the Earth, was attended by communities affected by the ongoing construction of the Mapithel Dam of the Thoubal Multipurpose Hydroelectric project and environmental activists, Ms Aram Pamei, Co-Chairperson of Citizens Concern for Dams and Development and Mr. Joseph Hmar, Secretary of Citizens Concern for Dams and Development (CCDD) and representatives of Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization.

Ms Aram Pamei, Co-convenor of CCDD explained the significance rivers in sustaining life and expressed concern with the increased introduction of large hydropower projects such as Mapithel dam and 1500 MW Tipaimukh dam and several other dams in Manipur. She outlined how present day generation inherited our rivers, forest and land from our forefather and not from the government, and how the present day generation has the responsibility to safeguard and protect the resources from its exploitation by the government and profit mongering corporations.

Joseph Hmar, Secretary of CCDD expressed his reservation towards the increasing corporatisation and privatisation of land, river and other natural resources, particularly damming of rivers of Manipur and across the India’s North East region. Damming industries has become a very profitable business whose benefits have been confined to the few corporate at the cost of the lives of indigenous people. The necessity to take Free Prior and Informed Consent, to conduct social, environment impact assessment and to recognize communities’ rights over land, forest and waters is blatantly violated in pursuing such mega dam development in the region.

Mr. Thanmi Kashung of Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization expressed his reservation towards welfare policies and projects that don’t benefit the common mass for which the projects were taken up. He exclaimed to “Think globally, act locally”. The representatives from different villages affected by Mapithel dam such as Riha, Thoyee, Chadong, Lamlai Khunou etc shared their views and experiences of the Thoubal River on their livelihood and culture. A representative from Thoyee expressed the significance of Yangwui Kong River on people’s survival, securing them self sufficiency. A representative from Chadong village has expressed resentment towards the half hearted ERC of the government which has in due course of time created social divisions.

Rajesh Ningthoukhongjam, Secretary General of Lifewatch has expressed that any development initiatives that affect people and environment should be subjected to thorough review. The impact of projects on people should be assessed. Sanaton Laishram, President, Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur expressed the necessity to strengthen communities resolve and determination to strive for a sustainable and secure future for all communities of Manipur depending on land, rivers, wetlands, forest etc for livelihood and survival.

The participants of the International River day celebration adopted the following resolutions:

1) The Thoubal River (Yangwui Kong) is the life, source of history, culture, livelihood and identify of communities along the River and to for the environment.

2) We will protect the Thoubal River, preserve it and to ensure its Free Flow.

3) We reaffirm our call to “LET THE THOUBAL RIVER (YANGWUI KONG) FLOW FREE”

4) The ongoing Mapithel dam construction on Yangwuikong River/ Thoubal River is giving a widespread devastation on people and environment, so the Mapithel Dam should be reviewed at any cost to respect the wishes, aspiration and demands of all affected communities.

5) To protect our future, we will defend our land and river at all cost.

(NNN)

- See more at: http://www.tntmagazine.in/cover-story/international-rivers-day-celebrated-in-ukhrul-district-manipur-along-thobal-yangwuikong-river/#sthash.VuTaUkgs.dpuf

To protect our future, defend our rivers

The Morung Express News | March 15, 2014

http://www.morungexpress.com/regional/112578.html

 

A protest rally at Thoubal River (Yangwui Kong) on March 14, 2014, at Riha Village in Ukhrul District, on International Rivers Day. (NNN Photo)

UKHRUL: The Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization (MDAVO), Citizens Concern For Dams And Development (CCDD), Centre For Research And Advocacy, Manipur (CRAM), Committee On The Protection Of Natural Resources In Manipur (CPNRM) jointly celebrated the International Rivers Day at Thoubal River (Yangwui Kong) on March 14, 2014, at Riha Village along Mapithel Range in Ukhrul District, with a public consultation followed by a mass protest rally. A press note from Sanaton Laishram, President, CRAM, R Sakhathan, Chairperson, MDAVO, Aram Pamei, CPNRM, and, Joseph Hmar, Secretary, CCDD, informed.

The celebration, organised to observe the importance of the rivers in sustaining life and health of the planet, was attended by communities affected by the ongoing construction of the Mapithel Dam of the Thoubal Multipurpose Hydroelectric project and environmental activists, Aram Pamei, Co-Chairperson, CCDD, and Joseph Hmar, Secretary, CCDD, and representatives of MDAVO.

Pamei, explaining the significance of rivers in sustaining life, expressed concern with the increased introduction of large hydropower projects such as Mapithel dam, the 1500 MW Tipaimukh dam, and several other dams in Manipur. Stating that the present day generation inherited the rivers, forests, and land, from our forefathers and not from the government, she asserted that the present day generation has the responsibility to safeguard and protect the resources from its exploitation by the government and profit mongering corporations.

Hmar, meanwhile, expressed his reservation towards the increasing corporatisation and privatisation of land, rivers and other natural resources, particularly damming of rivers of Manipur and across India’s North East region. Damming industries has become a very profitable business whose benefits have been confined to the few corporate at the cost of the lives of indigenous people. The necessity to take Free Prior and Informed Consent, to conduct social, environment impact assessment and to recognize communities’ rights over land, forest and waters is blatantly violated in pursuing such mega dam development in the region, Hmar stated.

Thanmi Kashung, a member of MDAVO, expressed his reservation towards welfare policies and projects that don’t benefit the common mass for which the projects were taken up. He exclaimed “Think globally, act locally”. The representatives from different villages affected by Mapithel dam such as Riha, Thoyee, Chadong, Lamlai Khunou etc. shared their views and experiences of the Thoubal River on their livelihood and culture. A representative from Thoyee expressed the significance of Yangwui Kong River on people’s survival, securing them self sufficiency. A representative from Chadong village had earlier expressed resentment towards the half hearted ERC of the government which has created social divisions.

Rajesh Ningthoukhongjam, Secretary General, Lifewatch, expressed that any development initiatives that affect people and environment should be subjected to thorough review and the impact of projects on people should be assessed. Sanaton Laishram, President, Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur, expressed the necessity to strengthen communities resolve and determination to strive for a sustainable and secure future for all communities of Manipur depending on land, rivers, wetlands, forest etc. for livelihood and survival.

The participants of the International River day celebration adopted the following resolutions: 1) The Thoubal River (Yangwui Kong) is the life, source of history, culture, livelihood and identity of communities along the River. 2) We will protect the Thoubal River, preserve it and to ensure its Free Flow. 3) We reaffirm our call to “Let the Thoubal River (Yangwui Kong) flow free.” 4) The ongoing Mapithel dam construction on Yangwuikong River/ Thoubal River is giving a widespread devastation on people and environment, so the Mapithel Dam should be reviewed at any cost to respect the wishes, aspiration and demands of all affected communities. 5) To protect our future, we will defend our land and river at all cost.

International Rivers Day celebrated at Thoubal river

The Eastern Mirror, Nagaland

The 15^th March 2014

http://www.easternmirrornagaland.com/2014/03/international-rivers-day-celebrated-at-thoubal-river/

14 March:  The Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization, the Citizens Concern for Dams and Development, the Committee on the Protection of Natural Resources in Manipur and the Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur jointly celebrated the International Rivers Day at Thoubal river (Yangwuikong river) at Riha village along Mapithel Range in Ukhrul district of Manipur with a public consultation followed by a mass protest rally today.The celebration, organised to observe the importance of the rivers in sustaining life and health of the mother earth, was attended by communities affected by the ongoing construction of the Mapithel Dam of the Thoubal Multipurpose Hydroelectric Project and environmental activists, Aram Pamei, co-chairperson of Citizens Concern for Dams and Development and Joseph Hmar, secretary of Citizens Concern for Dams and Development (CCDD) and representatives of Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization.
Aram Pamei explained the significance rivers in sustaining life and expressed concern over the increased introduction of large hydropower projects such as Mapithel Dam and 1500 MW Tipaimukh Dam and several other dams in Manipur. She elaborated on how present day generation inherited our rivers, forest and land from our forefathers and not from the government, and what responsibility the present day generation has to safeguard and protect the resources from its exploitation by the government and profit mongering corporations.
Joseph Hmar expressed his reservation over the increasing corporatisation and privatisation of land, river and other natural resources, particularly damming of rivers of Manipur and across the India’s North East region.
Damming industries has become a very profitable business whose benefits have been confined to the few corporate at the cost of the lives of indigenous people, he said while stressing the need to take free prior and informed consent, to conduct social and environment impact assessment and to recognize communities’ rights over land, forest and waters. These are blatantly violated in pursuing such mega dam development in the region, he added.
Thanmi Kashung of Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization expressed his reservation towards welfare policies and projects that don’t benefit the common mass for which the projects were taken up.
Rajesh Ningthoukhongjam, secretary general of Lifewatch, said any development initiatives that affect people and environment should be subjected to thorough review.
The participants of the International River Day celebration adopted the following resolutions:
1) The Thoubal River (Yangwui Kong) is the life, source of history, culture, livelihood and identify of communities along the River and to for the environment.
2) We will protect the Thoubal River, preserve it and to ensure its Free Flow.
3) We reaffirm our call to “LET THE THOUBAL RIVER (YANGWUI KONG) FLOW FREE”
4) The ongoing Mapithel dam construction on Yangwuikong River/ Thoubal River is giving a widespread devastation on people and environment, so the Mapithel Dam should be reviewed at any cost to respect the wishes, aspiration and demands of all affected communities.
5) To protect our future, we will defend our land and river at all cost.

CHALLENGES IN PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT IN DEVELOPMENT: A CSO PERSPECTIVE

Source: http://www.csopartnership.org/share/blog/157-challenges-in-private-sector-involvement-in-development-a-cso-perspective

As global Official Development Assistance (ODA) stagnates, several donor countries and aid agencies are struggling to mobilise private sources of financial capital but without the sufficient incorporation of human rights commitments. Under this scenario, private sector-led growth operates without regulatory mechanisms to ensure that human rights standards and democratic ownership of development outcomes are met.

Multiple challenges in private sector involvement to development persist. While the private sector is no doubt a major actor in creating economic opportunities for impoverished communities by generating employment, creating innovation and producing revenue for various sectors of society, it is however important to note that not all of these investments have positive impacts on poverty reduction and growing socio-economic inequalities. For instance, many corporate bodies and bilateral institutions are yet to adopt the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and to recognize inherent right of indigents to “free, prior, and informed consent” despite the private sector’s extractive and unwarranted operations in indigenous lands and territories.

PPPs and Priority Setting

In the case of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), which is one of the key tenets of promoting private sector participation, national development priorities become distorted due to the prioritization of profit over public services. Many countries around the world, like Mexico, India, and Bangladesh are developing policy frameworks that promote PPPs citing that such deals will facilitate greater investment in economic infrastructures.

Across the Asia Pacific region, economic infrastructures, such as transport are the preferred targets for PPP deals rather than focusing on more important social concerns such as in health and education. Private corporations, usually with high profit motives often favor the construction of roads, railways, ports and electricity lines because user fee charges (thus, profit) are more feasible in these kinds of projects. In addition, these projects have a market value that combines the profit in the actual construction as well as the profit gained in the provision of related services, such as the collection of toll fees among popular road projects.

Implementing Human Rights Standards

Private sector involvement in development can be more effective by reflecting and improving its performance in complying with human rights standards. Private sector involvement in the Asia Pacific is a cause of concern as it is usually linked with human rights issues across the region, ranging from exclusive decision-making, mis-prioritization, misinformation, limited public gains, and lack of accountability among others.

Various cases in India alone attest to this—the privatization of electricity and water in New Delhi have led to increased price hikes, therefore limiting quality access to such services. Many corporations failed to take free, prior and informed consent from communities affected by its extractive mining operations while major decision-making processes that affect the people are concealed from community participation.

Private Sector and Development Effectiveness Principles

The extent of integration of key aid and development effectiveness principles with private sector participation in development varies per country and requires urgent redress among the majority. Many donors and institutions have not sufficiently incorporated their commitments to human rights, development effectiveness principles and other international standards into their private sector strategies. As development and human rights standards progress, private sector participation must also keep similar pace.

Most donors have varying policies on aid while very few, like Spain and New Zealand, make specific reference to Paris or Accra in their regulatory policies and mechanisms. Needless to say, these principles must be integrated to national development frameworks in order for the private sector to adhere with previously agreed upon development effectiveness principles.

Our engagement with the private sector must therefore be guided by the principles of democratic ownership and human rights standards. Furthermore, CSO participation must be promoted and all decision-making processes must involve all stakeholders and communities affected to ensure that development is appropriately informed by the people’s demands and needs.

Recommendations

Governments in the Asia Pacific region should focus on domestic investors--Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) which can promote livelihood and create jobs for more people. Governments should also promote inclusive development and poverty eradication based on innovative investments, such as Agrarian reform and establishment of cooperatives for domestic market development.

Conclusion

Defining development priorities should not be left at the exclusive domain of the private sector and financial institutions. The rightful participation of communities and civil society must precede all development decision-making processes. Securing check and balances to ensure compliance must be implemented to rightfully orient development towards peoples’ rights and environmental sustainability.

If private sectors are to be true partners in development, they must collaborate in ways that improve the social and economic rights of marginalized populations, focus on the economic empowerment of women, create conditions for decent work, and promote socio-economic inclusion and social protection. The private sector can only genuinely contribute to development if it maintains country ownership and delivers effective development outcomes to the poorest and most vulnerable populations.

This is an abridged version of Jiten Yumnam's presentation on private sector challenges last March 10 in the Pre-HLM Asia-Pacific Regional Consultation in Seoul, Korea.