Jump in Solidarity with Chile

By: 
Berklee Lowrey-Evans

Yesterday was a día de manifestaciones (day of protests) in Chile - thousands of people took to the streets all across the country to protest against HidroAysén in anticipation of the decision due on the project by May 16.

3,500 people turned out for a protest in Santiago on April 26, 2011 to show their support for a Patagonia Sin Represas.
3,500 people turned out for a protest in Santiago on April 26, 2011 to show their support for a Patagonia Sin Represas.
Credit @patogomez via twitpic.com

I'm not ashamed to admit that I cried last night as the videos and photos began to be shared on Facebook; I was incredibly moved to see so many people stand up for what they believe in - a Patagonia Sin Represas (Patagonia Without Dams). And I cannot give enough credit to all our partners and their allies in Chile who made this day happen. It was truly remarkable.

The protests kicked off yesterday in Valdivia when 600 people interrupted a ceremony by President Piñera, prompting him to scrap the rest of his plans for the day and return to Santiago - where he was no doubt dismayed to be greeted by 3,500 people protesting in front of La Moneda (the presidential palace) in the evening. Another 700 protesters braved the pouring rain in Coyhaique in the afternoon to show their opposition to the project; there were also events in Valparaíso, Chillán, Curacautín, Puerto Montt, Temuco, Cochrane, and Concepción.

Protesters also turned out in Puerto Montt against HidroAysen on April 26, 2011, as part of a national day of protest.
Protesters also turned out in Puerto Montt against HidroAysen on April 26, 2011, as part of a national day of protest.
Credit Rodrigo Puchi

Yesterday proved once and for all that this is truly the biggest environmental movement the country has ever seen, and reaffirms the recent IPSOS poll from early this month thas showed 61.1% of Chileans are opposed to dams in Patagonia.

And now we wait - the Aysén Environmental Review Commission has until May 16th to either approve, approve with conditionalities, or reject the project. No matter what the commission decides, the Patagonia Sin Represas movement will continue to fight for the rivers and communities in Patagonia, and for the rights of all Chileans to protect their amazing and unique corner of the world.

As my friends in Patagonia like to say "los que no saltan son de HidroAysén" (those who aren't jumping are with HidroAysén) - so go ahead and jump now, wherever you are. Jump for a Patagonia Sin Represas.

P.S. If you can, please make a $35 donation – in honor of the 3,500 protestors in Santiago – to our Patagonia campaign so we can help keep this movement going strong.

More information: 

The following information is all in Spanish; note that some content will not be available to everyone, due to privacy permissions:

Nota con análisis general en eldinamo.cl (con muchas fotos)

CNN CHILE: Patricio Rodrigo, secretario ejecutivo CDP informando sobre la manifestación

SANTIAGO

VALPARAÍSO

CHILLÁN

CURACAUTÍN

VALDIVIA

PUERTO MONTT

COYHAIQUE