Environmental and human rights organizations around the world have launched a new petition to stop the destructive Gibe 3 Dam in Ethiopia. The dam threatens the land and livelihoods of 500,000 tribal people in Southern Ethiopia and Northern Kenya. By ending the natural flood cycle of the Omo River, it will destroy harvests and grazing lands along the river and fisheries in Lake Turkana, the world’s largest desert lake. The dam will devastate the unique culture and ecosystems of the Lower Omo Valley and Lake Turkana, both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Gibe 3 Project violates Ethiopia’s constitution, international conventions, and the safeguard policies of international financial institutions. In spite of these impacts and violations, the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the European Investment Bank, the Italian and the Kenyan governments are currently considering support for it.
International Rivers, Italy’s Reform the World Bank Campaign, Friends of the Lake Turkana and the Counter Balance coalition call on concerned citizens all around the world to raise their voice and sign the new petition.
If built, the Gibe 3 Dam will condemn half a million people to hunger and conflict. It is our responsibility to stop governments and international financial institutions from supporting it.
Please sign the petition to stop the Gibe 3 Dam now.
More information
- Press Release
- BBC coverage of the petition campaign
- View a multimedia slideshow on the dam's impact on Turkana communities