International Rivers notes, “For the community of Temacapulín, and their friends in surrounding communities, it has been very important to continue to hold events such as the Chile festival to maintain the joyful spirit and strength of the town, and to raise awareness about its history and beauty. When visitors come to Temaca they experience a unique town, deeply routed in culture and tradition. …The community of Temaca has been fighting against the construction of the Zapotillo Dam since 2006. The Zapotillo Dam threatens to flood the towns of Temacapulín, Acasico and Palmarejo, and would not only affect the communities but also the flora and fauna that make up the ecosystem of the Verde River.
The government, along with the National Water Commission (CONAGUA) has led the inhabitants of Jalisco and Leon to believe that water from the Zapotillo Dam will be used to solve the great demand for water from the metropolitan zone of Guadalajara and the Industrial zone of Leon. Today, with the construction of the dam wall almost 40% completed, there is still not concrete plan for when and where the aqueduct will be built and therefore how the dam will function. …In spite of the fact that there has been no indication the government intends to cancel the project or heed the will of the people, the people of Temaca are stronger than ever in its cry of resistance and dignity and in their desire to defend their homes and heritage.”
For blogs by Mexico City-based Blue Planet Project organizer Claudia Campero on this situation, please see http://canadians.org/blog/?p=12915. The full International Rivers piece is at http://www.internationalrivers.org/blogs/259/festival-of-chiles-and-resistance-in-temaca.
