Government and Community Deadlock

The government decides to allow a dam to be built that will destroy many villages and natural areas. A study was done on the likely impact on the environment (environmental impact assessment). However, the environmental impact assessment report does not take into account cultural considerations, like the fact that the dam will flood graves and religious sites. The local community is against the dam development because of this. The community and the government cannot resolve their differences.

What Can You Do?

Write a letter to the minister, member of provincial executive council or municipal council (whichever one is concerned with the dispute), and ask them to refer the dispute to a conciliator or facilitator.

If the parties cannot agree, the conciliator can ask the two parties whether they would like the case to go to arbitration. The arbitrator’s decision will then be final.