Opposing the construction of the Ilisu Dam in Turkey

The Green Party of England and Wales calls on the EGP and the Green/EFA Group in the European Parliament to support all those who are peacefully opposing the construction of the Ilisu Dam on the River Tigris in Eastern Turkey.

We ask that the Green /EFA Group make representations to the Turkish Government calling upon it to abandon this project and to ensure that no funding is made available for it from EU sources. 

We oppose the construction of this dam on the grounds of;

• There has been no local participation leading to a free, prior and informed consensus.

• There are no mutual agreements with Syria and Irak on transboundary water flows.

• Loss of agricultural land which would be flooded;

• Displacement of local, mostly Kurdish peoples and the consequent destruction of their culture and way of life.

• Loss of the rich archaeological heritage of the area;

• The destruction of the historic city of Hasankeyf.