Probe International - A forum on the Chalillo dam controversy in Belize

Video forum (Realplayer format, 2 hours 21 minutes)

EnviReform University Toronto's Web site on Forum

WHEN:
Thursday, March 13, 2003, 1 p.m. 4 p.m.

WHERE:
Vivian David Campbell Room
Munk Centre International Studies
University Toronto
South Wing, Main Floor
1 Devonshire Place
Toronto, M5S 3K7

SPEAKERS:

1:00 p.m.      Opening Remarks Introduction
                    John Kirton, Director, EnviReform Project
                    University Toronto

1:15 p.m. Panel Session

                    Robert F. Kennedy Jr., senior attorney
                    Natural Resources Defence Council, lecturer,
                    Pace University
                    – From Duke Energy (U.S.) Fortis and
                    AMEC (Canada) Belize

1:30-2:45 p.m. Panel Forum

                    Hevina Dashwood, Department Political Science
                    Brock University
                    – Global Governance Corporate Responsibility

                    Elizabeth Graham, Director, London Institute of
                    Archaeology; former Archaeology Commissioner of
                    Belize; Director, Lamanai Project Belize
                    – When Cultural Heritage Risk: What Canadian
                     companies should required before
                    threatening flood Macal River Valley

                    Ari Hershowitz, Coordinator, Latin America
                    Program, Natural Resources Defense Council
                    – International Scientific Experts' Views on
                    Canada's Dam Project Belize

                    Greg Malone, political satirist hydro
                    activist, Newfoundland
                    – Fortis Home Away: What Fortis
                    Shareholders Investors Need Know

                    Sharon Matola, Director, Belize Zoo
                    and Tropical Education Centre
                    – Wildlife threats posed Chalillo dam

                    Gráinne Ryder, Probe International
                    – Aid Chalillo Whose Interest? Lessons from
                    the Canadian International Development
                    Agency's Governance Crisis/Role the
                    Macal River Controversy

FORUM BACKGROUND

The Macal River Valley its tributaries Belize are only known nesting sites world’s largest most spectacular species scarlet macaw.

Plans Newfoundland-based power company, Fortis, to build hydro dam Belize's Macal River Valley have generated international opposition last two years. The proposed dam has prompted two lawsuits Supreme Court of Belize order public hearings held before Belize government makes final decision on dam's fate this year. project's environmental assessment paid for by Canadian International Development Agency and conducted Toronto-based engineering multinational, AMEC.

The purpose forum bring together people on all sides Chalillo dam controversy dialogue on the legal actions Belize implications Canadian public policy governance Canadian companies investing outside Canada.

The forum will moderated Professor John Kirton, is jointly sponsored Munk Centre International Studies, EnviReform Project, Centre for International Studies, Department Political Science and Masters International Relations Programme, the Program on Water Issues, University Toronto.

Forum speakers include Robert F. Kennedy Jr., senior attorney with Washington-based Natural Resources Defense Council, key government industry representatives, and leading members Canadian environmental community. Students faculty members with an interest in environmental global governance issues are encouraged to attend.

The proprosed 35-metre high dam would flood almost 1,000 hectares lush rainforest, home some world’s most endangered species. undisturbed jungle one last large havens Belize’s national animal, tapir, jaguars (which roam 40 miles day search food) river otters, freshwater crocodiles, howler monkeys [right], ocelots, scarlet macaws, fewer than 200 which remain Belize.

Please RSVP Mary Lynne Bratti, events.munk@utoronto.ca
or telephone (416) 946-8901. Space limited.

To read the full text of this item, please login or register above.

Welcome!