Ecuador's Upper Jondachi Threatened By Dam!
Ecuador possesses some of the richest biodiversity in the world. Through national parks, reserves and sanctuaries, the country has taken some measures to protect Ecuador's natural capital. But, these "on paper" protections aren't proving strong enough against the ever-present drive towards development. There are currently a number of environmental threats that the Oriente (Eastern Slope of the Andes) is facing; but we are going to focus on one main issue for now: The Jondachi/Hollin River Basin.
The Jondachi/Hollin River system offers some of Ecuador's best boating and flows through incredible rainforest. It is currently under attack on two fronts.
1.) A proposed dam on the Upper Jondachi. This dam would be situated right at the confluence of the Jondachi and Urcusiqui rivers and would completely de-water the ultra-classic Upper Jondachi.
2.) The entire 2-river corridor is threatened by oil operations that the Ivanhoe Energy Corporation is planning for the area. The company has the concession to develop "Block 20." Tena is right in the middle of Block 20, and this area also includes the Jondachi, Hollin, and Misahualli Rivers. They are currently still in "exploratory" stages, but full-blown development is imminent and we need to make sure they have some checks and balances as they proceed.
Matt Terry of the Ecuadorian Rivers Institute is the sole force speaking for the environment in the Oriente, and he needs your help!
Although there are many other environmental issues in Ecuador, we are putting our energy and money into the Jondachi right now because the Ecuadorian Rivers Institute (ERI) feels it is a battle we can win. Small World Adventures is working closely with the ERI to develop a sound strategy for protecting the Jondachi/Hollin ecosystem. Right now, the biggest thing ERI needs is funding. If you can help with this, please donate here. Your donation to ERI, which is a 501c3 not-profit, is tax deductible.
The ERI is also in need of volunteers. The two most pressing areas, and jobs that you can do without relocating to Ecuador are:
1.) Web designer
2.) Grant writer
If you feel you can donate your time for either of these tasks, please click the links above to email Matt and let him know you are here to help.
Thank you for your time and support!
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