International Day of Action 2007: Africa

Cameroon | Lesotho | Mozambique | Nigeria | Senegal | Togo | Uganda

Cameroon

Dams and Development in Cameroon: What Perspectives for the Energy Sector in Cameroon?

Global Village Cameroon organized a roundtable debate on the theme: Dams and Development in Cameroon: What Perspectives for the Energy Sector in Cameroon? The roundtable debate addressed the following question: do huge dams actually contribute to economic growth (macro versus micro dimensions of economic development)? This roundtable debate discussed the viewpoints of actors in the energy sector and analyze the problem of water and energy development in Cameroon. Participants developed strong recommendations toward solving the current energy crisis in Cameroon. This crisis has been a great concern of both Cameroonians and the government, which seeks to re-launch Cameroon’s economic growth through the construction of dams to reach their goal of making the country energy sufficient.

Contact

Wirsiy Emmanuel Binyuy, Energy and Climate Change Campaigner
Global Village Cameroon
P.O. Box 3158 Yaounde Cameroon
Phone: 237 518 43 10, 237 223 31 52
Email: wirsiyemma@yahoo.com
Web: www.globalvillagecam.org


Lesotho

Water is a Right: March Over the Katse Dam Wall

To serve as a reminder about the opportunities, risks, challenges and problems of large water schemes, the Transformation Resource Centre (TRC) organized a peaceful march over the wall of the Katse Dam. The march followed the theme "Water is a Right!" and called for public involvement in water policy and against water privatization. Katse is the centerpiece of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, where thousands of people have been affected as a result of the Katse Dam construction. They invited, among others, the Ombudsman, the Water Commissioner and HIV/AIDS activists.

Contact

Transformation Resource Centre (TRC)
Phone: +266 2231 4463
Web: www.trc.org.ls


Mozambique

A Declaration on Flooding and Dam Development in Mozambique

Justica Ambiental in Mozambique issued a declaration in lieu of recent dam development talks by the government. Already plagued with extensive flood damage in the region, two proposed projects, including the Cahora Bassa dam in the Tete Province, would potentially worsen the situation. Justica Ambiental calls for better management and accountability from dam development agencies in the country.

Contact

Anabela Lemos
Justica Ambiental
Maputo, Mozambique
E-mail: anabela@aism-moz.com


Nigeria

Children’s Events for River Ethiope

River Ethiope Trust Foundation held children’s events on rivers and wetlands, with a special focus on River Ethiope - a river of outstanding beauty found in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria.

Contact

Irikefe V. Dafe, President
River Ethiope Trust Foundation
Email: retfon@yahoo.com


Senegal

Advocacy Campaign for Rivers and Life: Access to Drinking Water, Sanitation and Hygiene For All

The Civil Society Coordination for the Environmental Protection of and the Development of the Senegal River Basin (CODESEN) organized an advocacy campaign to take place in the seven departmental regions of CODESEN within the Senegal River Basin (Louga, Saint-Louis, Dagana, Podor, Matam, Kanel and Baken). They also distributed the Water Chapter of the Organization for the Development of the Senegal River Basin (OMVS) adopted in 2002, which addresses the four States (Guinea, Mali, Mauritani and Senegal).

Contact

Aboubacry Mbodji
The Civil Society Coordination for the Environmental Protection of and the Development of the Senegal River Basin (CODESEN)
Email: ambodj1@yahoo.fr


Togo

National Convention on Sustainable Alternatives to Large Dams

Jeunes Volontaires pour l’Environnement (Young Volunteers for the Environment) -- Togo organized its National Consultative Meeting, serving as the initial workshop of the National Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Dams and Sustainable Development on March 13-14. The discussion focused on the need to find sustainable alternatives to large dams and fossil fuel use. The event hosted an impressive list of participants including government officials, international organizations, and multiple civil society groups (see list below).

Contact

Sena Alouka, Executive Director
JVE Togo (Young Volunteers for the Environment)
131, rue Ofé, Tokoin Casalanca
Phone: +228 - 2214571 / 2200112
Email: yvetogo@hotmail.com
Web: www.ong-jve.org


Uganda

Environmental Education and Rehabilitation of Riverbanks and Lakeshores

Organized by the Uganda Environmental Education Foundation, this project offered insights about the importance and benefits of wetlands, riverbanks and lakeshores to local communities and the country at large.

Contact

Nicholas Ssenyonjo
Uganda Environmental Education Foundation (UEEF)
P.O. Box 5658, Kampala, Uganda
Phone: +256 14 290740
Email: ugandaenvironmental@yahoo.com, ueef@operamail.com


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