The Forest Buddies |
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Save The Forests, Save Our Lives |
| The Bakun Hydroelectric project - a case study |
| Introduction The Bakun Hydroelectric Project is located in Sarawak, Malaysia. The purpose for the dam was to increase the electricity supply in East Malaysia and Peninsular Malaysia. History It is a very controversial project. To the Malaysian political and business leaders, the issue was the provision of electricity and alleviating poverty in Sarawak. The indigenous people are compensated but the compensation is meagre. Effects What are the problems associated with this project? It can result in a massive flood that can displace up to 10,000 people from their homes as massive deforestation is inevitable. There may be an increase in diseases such as filariasis which can cause fever. The rivers, water, fishing and agriculture would be threatened. The habitat of 105 species of animals and many plant species may be destroyed. During heavy rain floods can also be a major issue. Social issues What happened to the indigenous people? Some villagers have adapted well to their new environment. The improved schools and easier access to them are beneficial. However, the damming of the dam has also caused flooding that can affect schooling adversely as well. Unfortunately, they can no longer hunt and fish for their livelihood in their new homes. They are unable to farm rice their usual way where used plots are allowed to lie fallow after two rounds of farming. Furthermore, with the small plots of land that the government has compensated them, expensive fertilizers and pesticides are needed. Moreover, alcoholism and drug addiction have begun to plaque their society as they fail to adapt to their new homes. In fact, some Kenyahs refused resettlement while others have moved back to ancestral lands after rejecting their new way of life. Reflections Again, we have met with the issue of the deforestation dilemma. Deforestation can displace indigenous tribes from their ancestral land and rob them of their homes, traditional livelihood and culture. A lot of social problems can also arise when they are displaced from their community. This case study also illustrates the tremendous loss of biodiversity. So, we strongly recommend that governments should consider all the devastating consequences carefully prior to embarking on any major deforestation projects. Sources: Bakun Hydroelectric Project. (2008, March 7). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 13:34, March 19, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bakun_Hydroelectric_Project&oldid=196509441 |