Aswan Communities Enviornments Flashcards
Intro Stats
Dams have been around for over 5000 years, but have only seen significant contributions in dam engineering in the past 100 years.
The Aswan Dam is a dam built on the River Nile, just south of the city of Aswan in Egypt.
There are two dams, the Aswan Low Dam and Aswan High Dam, completed in 1902 and 1970 respectively.
Intro pt.2
This essay will focus on the stakeholders affected by the dam, exploring the varying benefits that different communities and environments can derive from the construction of large dams, while also considering the associated costs.
Paragraph 1 Benefit: Agriculture
The regulated water supply from the dam enables farmers to practice irrigation throughout the year, reducing their dependence on rainfall patterns.
The dam has made irrigation possible for over 3.5 million hectares of land
This consistent water availability allows for increased agricultural productivity, leading to higher crop yields, and improved livelihoods.
Farmers can diversify their crops, grow high-value crops, and have better control over irrigation schedules, resulting in increased incomes and food security
Paragraph 1 Cost: Agriculture
However, the construction of dams may lead to the loss of fertile agricultural land due to reservoir creation or changes in land use.
Farmers may need to adapt their farming practices and potentially invest in new irrigation infrastructure.
Additionally, there can be conflicts over water allocation between different sectors, including agriculture, industry, and domestic use, which may require water management systems to ensure fair distribution.
Paragraph 2 Benefit: Hydroelectric
Dams harness the flow of water to spin turbines, producing electricity.
The energy generated accounts for 7000m kW hours each year, which is 45% of Egypt’s energy needs.
This renewable source of energy can reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, also supporting economic development, improve access to electricity in rural areas, and enhance energy security.
Paragraph 2 Cost: Hydroelectric
Construction and operation of large dams also come with costs and concerns.
Environmentalists often highlight the ecological impacts of dam projects.
The modification of river flows and the creation of reservoirs can disrupt natural habitats, and affect aquatic biodiversity.
These ecological changes can lead to the decline of fish populations, affecting both local ecosystems and the livelihoods of fishing communities.
Paragraph 3 Benefit: People
Large dams also offer recreational and tourism opportunities.
Reservoirs created by dams can provide spaces for boating, fishing, and water-based recreational activities, attracting tourists and generating revenue for local communities.
The nature of the reservoir being the main attraction and the surrounding areas can also draw in more tourists, further contributing to local economies through tourism-related businesses.
Paragraph 3 Cost: People
Construction of large dams can result in the forced displacement of local communities.
Up to 100,000 Nubian people have been moved from their ancestral homes.
This forced migration can have significant social and economic costs, including the loss of land and disruption of livelihoods.
The resettlement process can be challenging, such as potential issues related to access to basic services and employment opportunities
