ENVIRO
NILE RIVER UPDATE: THE TIME TO SAVE THE NILE IS NOW.
An official survey done at the Isimba Dam site verifies suspicions that the Isimba Dam will flood up through Vengeance Rapid to the base of Kalagala
Falls and Itanda Falls. This confirms earlier concerns that the supposedly protected zone known as the Kalagala Offset Area will be flooded almost
entirely. The timeline for the dam’s completion is short, with construction slated to be finished by May 2018. Despite the filing of multiple petitions by
affected local Ugandans to the World Bank and its development partners to protect the Kalagala Offset, there has been no positive word from the
World Bank, the Africa Development Bank, or the government of the Uganda about protecting the offset or compensating the people most in need,
despite earlier promises. Though the Isimba Dam was never considered to be a good option for power on the Nile, its development was mysteriously
fast tracked while known larger power generating projects such as Karuma Dam were shelved. With the construction of the tallest possible Isimba
Dam, an enormous reservoir will be created, flooding vast
subsistence farmlands above the dam site as well as submerging
rapids from Vengeance down to Malalu, potentially destroying
the existing tourism economy. Virtually the entire Kalagala Offset
will be under water. Many more Ugandans will lose their homes
and livelihoods than previously imagined, and many affected thus
far have received no compensation at all. Despite destroying this
completely unique river environment which includes habitat for
two known endangered species – pangolins and haplochromine
fish, the World Bank, African Development Bank and IRM, the
private sector of the World Bank, have only tried to disqualify the
complaints filed by local Ugandans, saying that they would await
the outcome of an environmental impact assessment addendum
set to be finished after the dam construction is complete. They
have not responded to any emails, petitions or questions that
have come their way. While this is pessimistic news, it is still possible
to tell the World Bank to protect the Kalagala Offset. Please visit
http://www.savethewhitenile.org and sign the petition that goes to the
World Bank – every voice counts!!
Words: Jessie Stone Photo: Eli Reichman
DESIGNATE THE NOLICHUCKY AS A NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVER
The Nolichucky River is one of the last major free-flowing rivers in the Southeast. From its origins high on the slopes of North Carolina’s tallest peaks, the ‘Noli’
carves its way through one of the deepest river gorges in the Eastern US before joining the French Broad River in Tennessee. A 7.2-mile section of the Nolichucky
Gorge between Poplar, NC and Unaka Springs, TN was recommended by the US Forest Service for protection under the Wild and Scenic River Act in 1994.
Unfortunately, a bill has never been introduced to Congress to finalize a Wild and Scenic River designation. The Noli is known for its outstandingly remarkable
scenic, recreational, geologic, and ecological values. It is home to several endangered or threatened species of animals and plants such as the Appalachian
Elk-Toe Mussel and Virginia Spirea. The river is a major destination for whitewater enthusiasts who venture into the gorge to challenge themselves in the class
II-IV rapids. It’s also popular among anglers, hunters, and hikers. Thousands of visitors pass through the Noli Gorge every year with whitewater rafting companies
and fishing guide services. This tourism generates
great economic benefits for the local economies. The
Nolichucky Gorge stretches through parts of Mitchell
and Yancey Counties in North Carolina, as well as
Unicoi County in Tennessee. There is a rich human
history in the area, yet the gorge remains largely
untouched by development with the exception of
a CSX rail line that parallels the river. In the last year,
traffic on the line has dramatically decreased and will
likely continue to do so in the future. While there have
been problems with water quality in the Nolichucky
in the past, it is improving as upstream communities
become more aware of the effects of pollution and
sedimentation on downstream resources. Designation
of the Nolichucky as a Wild and Scenic River will
invigorate the local economies through increased
tourism, while giving permanent protection to this
unique resource and ensuring its enjoyment for future
generations. Realizing the dream of a Wild and Scenic
Nolichucky River will take widespread community
engagement and support from our elected officials.
As the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers
Act approaches in 2018, there is no better time than
for building a movement around the Nolichucky
Gorge. Let’s get a bill passed through Congress. Please
support the permanent protection of the Nolichucky
River Gorge as a National Wild and Scenic River.
https://www.facebook.com/nolichuckyriver/
Words and Photo: Curtis England