Demonstration at the Mexican Consulate in San Francisco

Mexican Consulate Visit

Press Conference

3/14/05

Good morning. Thank you for joining us. My name is Norma Valdez Jimenez. I am a co-founding member of CASA Salvemos Nuestros Pueblos, Comite de Ausentes de San Gaspar en Accion.*

CASA Salvemos Nuestros Pueblos is a grassroots organization in support of the communities affected by the proposed construction of the San Nicolas dam in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. This project threatens to flood our hometowns. We are a multi-generational organization of individuals with roots in San Gaspar de los Reyes, Jalisco, and it's surrounding towns, who now reside in the United States. We represent hundreds of concerned individuals who support this struggle.

On this eighth annual International Day of Action for Rivers, we join forces in solidarity with other organizations worldwide to demand the protection of human and environmental rights. Today in Jalisco, Mexico MAPDER (a Mexican organization of individuals affected by dams and in defense of rivers) is culminating it's second annual conference with a rally in San Gaspar de los Reyes, our hometown and the largest community which will be affected by the San Nicolas Dam. As a matter of fact, CASA has sent two representatives to this conference who are there today.

Out of the need to address the injustices of this proposed dam, CASA was born. Most importantly, the existence of CASA emerges out of the profound respect and love we have for our roots, our heritage, and our history. We each have a personal connection and story that strengthens these bonds. CASA is currently working in solidarity with "El Comite Pro Defensa de San Gaspar," an organization of residents living in the affected area who are also organizing a grassroots campaign to resist the dam.

We are here today to express our solid opposition to the construction of this project and to make heard our resounding message: "No to the San Nicolas dam!"

The Mexican government insists that there is a water shortage in Leon, Guanajuato and that building the dam would alleviate this problem. They propose to divert water from the Rio Verde in Jalisco to the city of Leon, in the state of Guanajuato. They believe that they can put a price tag on the houses and lands of our people and convince them to leave the land we have known for generations as our home. They are wrong! Our roots, history, and identity are priceless! Mexican federal and state officials are instilling confusion and creating deep insecurities, which have negative psychological effects on the most vulnerable our people. They contradict themselves. Representatives of the "Comision Nacional del Agua" (Mexico's Federal Comision on Water) insists that the project is a done deal, while representatives of the state of Jalisco, including the governor, have visited San Gaspar to assure that this project is still being investigated for viability and that it's construction is not yet guaranteed. The true motive behind this massive project that would destroy the lives of thousands are the PROFITS that emerging industries in Leon, Guanajuato and in Jalisco stand to gain. Once again this is another example of sacrificing the lives and livelihoods of the poor to benefit the rich.

The social and environmental effects of this dam would be catastrophic. Some of the effects of the dam would be:

o The forced displacement of approximately 10,000 people from 48 communities. This displacement would cause loss of culture, human dignity, and affect the livelihoods of the poor and most vulnerable.

o Some dams have negative effects on the environment by reducing biodiversity and disrupting important natural habitat conditions. History and studies have shown that dams are oftentimes not cost effective. The negative impacts of dams outweigh the benefits when they are crafted in such a way that infringe upon the basic human rights of people and harm important ecosystems.

o Activists and organizations are opposed to this type of project worldwide. We join forces with International Rivers Network and count on the support of prominent human and environmental rights groups such as The Dolores Huerta Foundation, Global Exchange, Marin Interfaith Taskforce on the Americas, Mexico Solidarity Network, and NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council).

o We have hope that grassroots efforts and activism can stop these disastrous projects. As we saw last week, the efforts of community organizations including MAPDER resulted in the suspension of one of the largest proposed hydroelectric dams in Mexico, which was backed by Mexican President Vicente Fox. The dam in El Cajon, Nayarit was suspended through legal challenges put forth by the people.

How are we personally affected?

o As immigrants and children of immigrants, we are in danger of losing access to our history, our culture, and our identity.

o All of us have relatives who are living in the affected area. Many of them are elderly. Displacement will have negative psychological, physical, and economic consequences.

o Many of our ancestors have been laid to rest in the cemetery. We demand respect for this sacred ground that holds their remains.

Why are we here today?

Today, we are here to express our solid opposition to the construction of the San Nicolas Dam, as well as other massive projects that infringe upon the lives of people with no respect for human rights. We bring with us, 1856 protest letters in opposition to the project directed to Mexican President Vicente Fox and the Governor of Jalisco, Francisco Ramirez-Acuna. 1026 concerned supporters of our struggle individually signed these letters. We are asking the Mexican consul general Campos Castello to ensure the delivery of our letters to the President and Governor.

What are our demands?

o We ask for an investigation into alternatives to the dam that will not displace nor hurt our people. We demand protection of human and environmental rights. The truth is that the Mexican government has not seriously considered alternatives, including fixing inefficiencies in the already existing water management system.

o We expect a direct response from the Mexican government to our concerns.

o We will not accept the Mexican government's proposal to buy our and our relatives' homes and lands. They are not for sale!

As long as there is a threat to our people, we will continue to organize in their defense. Our efforts will not end here. We invite the public to our upcoming events: