When
Where
Presenter: Fassou Thea, Advisor in Charge, Sustainable and Maritime Development, Office of the Prime Minister, Republic of Guinea. Currently Visiting Scholar at the University of Arizona.
RSVP: This event is in person. Email corrieh@arizona.edu if you plan to attend and contribute to the discussion. Lunch will be sponsored by the Office of International Development.
About: The Republic of Guinea is a coastal country in West Africa that hosts several important ecosystems (mangroves, seagrass beds, estuaries, etc.), several rivers that flow through other countries in the region, and numerous species of flora and fauna. These resources support and provide many important ecological services. However, the construction of power dams has resulted in significant ecological and social changes that are reflected in the degradation of natural habitats and loss of biodiversity and in the serious social impacts due to the displacement and resettlement of local communities.
The Konkouré River is a striking example of this degradation of ecological and social well-being. The river has undergone dramatic recent change through the construction of three power dams (Garafiri, Kaleta and Souapiti). A fourth dam, the Amaria dam, is currently under construction.
This discussion session seeks to generate insights that can be used in reducing the negative effects of these large infrastructure development projects. Comments and suggestions are welcome on relevant research results, best practice recommendations, or improved policies that can be applied in protection and conservation of the ecosystems, and in addressing the negative impacts on displaced communities and the target areas where they are being resettled.