Undertaking The Fault In The New Hope Dam

Because the city experiences a water crisis, the government plans to sign a contract with a foreign
company to construct an P18.7 billion worth of project called the New Hope Dam. This plan, however, is subject to
various criticisms because of its bad effects. Upon its construction, it will destroy the diverse ecosystem in its
location. In addition, it will displace the Dumagats from their Ancestral Domain. I disagree to the initiation of this
project.

Due to dam construction, humans, plants, and animals continues to be affected detrimentally form the
1960s up to today (M. Tahmiscioğ, et al.). And, because of the ever increasing demand of people for water, the
need for a more reliable water source grows bigger. In the 21 st century, it is inevitable that there will be more dams
built (T. Scudder, 2012). Although dams create a huge negative impact to ecosystems and societies, it is still
important because it is a very promising way in solving water shortages.

One thing that the construction of the New Hope Dam will disobey is equity in sustainable development.
It is very unfair for the Dumagats for their rightful land to be taken away from them by the government. The
Dumagats will sustain physical and psychological tribulations. In building dams, it is not common for people to be
displaced. There are approximately 40-80 million of people that have relocated because of floods created on dam
reservoirs. Most of the relocated people often experiences psychological drawbacks (California University of
Technology, 2005).

The New Hope Dam will also have an effect on the plants and animals living in and near the river. The dam
will prevent the fishes from migrating and keep them away from egg laying zones. This can significantly decrease
the population of fishes which can have a secondary effect on people and animals that depend on aquatic life for
survival. Floods occurring on dams can drown the plants, on the other hand, and destroy the habitat of land
animals. It is important to clearly comprehend that the ecosystem functions like a chain. When a segment in this
chain is cut even if it is just a very small one, it will have an effect to the whole chain.

Amidst all the contradictions, however, it is not right to think that the negative impacts will always prevail
rather than the positive as for the project. The success of the New Hope Dam, not just in fulfilling the needs of the
people for water, but also in sustainable development for the environment, will depend on the quality of research
done. The project can be worthy if its function will be maximized. It can serve multi-purposes. It can be a tourist
spot, a fishing spot, and a hydropower-plant. The government should keep in mind that the more research and
time invested prior to the construction of the dam, the easier it is to decide if the dam will be highly beneficial and
for the good of the majority or it will be detrimental to the society in the short-term and as well as the long-term.

In conclusion, I stand opposite to the construction of the New Hope Dam because I believe that the
government does not see enough positive impacts from it. The government needs more research and time to
decide for it. On the other hand, we could just do alternative solutions to the water crisis of our city. This includes
responsible use of water. Industries should manage their water-consumption and water-wastes wiser. And finally,
the consumers should advocate for better ways in achieving sustainable development for the environment.