The 11th Annual International River Day of Action

Dear Free Flowing Friend, We all have one thing in common, if you are white, black, brown, yellow, pink, blue, short, long, skinny or fat there is one thing in life that we all want. Today is March 14th, and there are many people around the world getting drunk celebrating St Patrick’s day, that is not why am writing to you now. Today is the 11th Annual International River Day of Action that means there are communities around the world celebrating their rivers, and protesting in many different ways. We are living in times where alternative energies like solar, wind, and tidal power are available. But damming is still going on. Actually one of the best rafting runs in the world is been lost to a hydro electric dam. The White Nile in Jinja, Uganda. The construction of the Bujugali Dam started over a year ago, it has already flooded one of the craziest rapids of that river. In the next two years most of the upper section will be under flat water, this section is the best 30 minutes of white water I have ever done, and its massive volume too, waterfalls, steep rapids, big waves, cool holes and sweet play waves. All surrounded by some of the friendliest people, good music and tasty food, its quite a amazing combo. Most of the people in Uganda want the Dam, they are hoping for power and more industry to come and develop their country. the construction of the dam has already help the surrounding communities increasing the % of prostution in the area, helping the community to spreads AIDS alot more. will this industry bring more education, we hope so. We will be following the steps of Bujugali Energy Company in the next year, to see if they deliver to the locals on their promises of cheap power. Short documentary about the Dam in the Nile, coming soon. To celebrate the Life and the white water of the Nile, we have diced to bring you a sweet picture, that will show you some of the section that will be lost, but until then its alive and full of Nile Strength. Water we all wanted, and need it for survival. Some people hike for hour to get ten liters and other use thousands of liters just to keep the grass a little greener. So, we all need Water for Life, Not for Profit, Tomorrow in Vancouver Canada we are taking action in the Cleaveland Dam in Capilano regional Park, at 1pm. we will be making a Banner that will create awareness about the privatization issues Canadians and the world are going through today. Come join us, be active, there will be free coffee and snacks, and good free flowing times. Check out or last years event in Patagonia, Chile. An 8 min documentary. Youtube “No more Dams In Patagonia” Where we are also face with the challenge of fighting the huge hydroelectric companies. The Baker, Pascua, and Futalufu are in need of our joint efforts. This summer Free Flowing Rivers Environmental Society it taking on the biggest challenge yet, The 2 Year Relay Road Trip Around North and South America. For the sake of our rivers, and our future generation. check our project on the web page www.freeflowingrivers.org See U soon, keeping them free flowing Rodolfo Rada Director Free Flowing Rivers.