(Links are translated using Google Translating Software.  Should something be unclear, feel free to inquire at rj_climber@yahoo.com)

http://www.senado.cl/prontus_galeria_noticias/site/artic/20080829/pags/20080829120326.html

The 13 of August of 2009, the Congreso has still done nothing to stop this crime.  They back this ecological disaster in compliance with the two indigenous communities of Caspana and Toconce, whose leader had been bribed by trips to Italy.

Thursday, the 8 of January of 2009, The indigenous population exposed their reasons why they are against the geothermal development.

By means of resources presented in front of the court of Antofagast in July of 2008, The Indigenous communities gave warning regarding the risks involved in exploration in Tatio

The detailed the potencial gamage in flora and fauna biodiversity of the área, and how it will affect tourism.

VÍCTOR ZÚÑIGA

Two appeals were made warning about environmental risks involved in the exploration of Tatio, being executed by the company Geotermica del Norte (GDN), and were brought to the attention of the appeals court by the indigenous community of the area in July 2008

One was presented by the quechua group Sumac-Llajt and the other by varios people representing varios indigenous communities of the area.  They presented a position contrary to the Regional Environmental Commission (Comisión Regional del Medio Ambiente) of Antofagasta, represented by the superintendent Cristián Rodríguez Salas.

In the allegations, on the 22 August of 2008, the communities rejected the perforation of the geysers of Tatio because it would affect the biodiversity of the naturally exiting native flora and fauna, the work already done in the area by the indigenous communities, the tourism, and would deteriorate those conditions which exist for terrain use for the above, patrimonial identification and cultural interests of the indigenous communities.

They allegated that additionally this Project violates constitutional precepts having to do with the right to live in an area free of contamination.

Both appeals were rejects by the ordinary justice of Antofagasta.

The deputy of the área, Felipe Ward (UDI) criticized that the arguments presented were never listened to by the authorities, especially the superintendent Cristián Rodríguez

He said that he would have to analyze the situation and see if it requires the designation of an ad-hoc investigatory commission to analyze damage caused in the area.

CODELCO

The copper mining company declared yesterday that it only owns 5% of the company Geotermica del Norte and that they don’t participate in it’s board of directors.  The also denied having been in charge of soundings in Tatio.

The government asks the Congress for explanations

The search for the responsible parties aided by the State Defense Council and the competitive efforts of international organizations to determine the extent of damages caused in Tatio has not calmed down the Environmental Commission of the House of Commons to receive their own explanations yesterday from the branch minister Ana Lya Uriarte.  Their president, Robert Sepúlveda, said that he was very sorry that the government, the Corema of Antofagasta and the state companies Codelco and Enap don’t assume their responsibility.

Since the president of the environmental commission, Pablo Longueira, considered it unacceptable to be putting our natural wonder at risk, the Sentor held a special session on the 7th of Oct to ask for explanations from the environmental minister, Ana Lya Uruiarte, and the minister of energy, Marcelo Tokman.  He declared “only a banana republic would put their natural wonders at risk.”

http://www.elnortero.cl%2Fadmin%2Frender%2Fnoticia%2F20307

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Indigenous communities: “No to the explotation of Tatio”

The representatived of the social organizations united under the defense of the geysers of Tatio presented themselves to the members of the Municipal Council of Calama.  Under no condition do they want to have geothermal exploration in this natural heritage tourist destination in the region.

In this opportunity, the advisor Ignacio Urdangarin Escobar suggested that “this country has lied to us again.  This project which claims to be able to gain 40 MW of energy will go to direct benefit of Codelco in Chuqicamata.  Considering this, the project isn’t designated for cheaper energy, but to aid in the exploitation of copper in the area at a lower cost. “

The advisor, Ruth Olivares, referred to the benefits which could be obtained through the geothermal exploitation of the geysers of Tatio.  She states that agricultural products powered by this type of energy are of higher demand in Europe.

Representatives of the Woman’s Group of El Loa and the indigenous community, Amalia Mamani and Eduardo Choque, presented their viewpoint.  They expressed a position in which they identify themselves continually with the Earth and for which they will fight to the end for this cultural heritage touristic destination represented by the geysers of Tatio, where life for these people originates.

In their speech, both community members demonstrated their passion for the defense of this national interest area.  For this reason, it became necessary for the advisor, Ignacio Urdangarin Escobar, to participate.  He could barely demonstrate what the reasons are for why energy is being sought for sustainable and economical development of energy by Codelco Norte.  On the side, social organization representatives continue working in the pedestrian area of Ramirez Street, where they are asking for people to join their campaign to halt geothermal exploitation in the geysers of Tatio.  The idea is to collect 45000 signatures in support of their cause and present them to president Bachelet.

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