1A-Dam+Construction

**How is Dam Construction contributing to Deforestation?**Dam construction is so detrimental to forests because it takes away the most important thing that they need to survive; water. Also, in order to build these dams, mass amounts of forests have to be cut down. The more dams we continue to build in highly forested areas, the more destruction we cause. While trying to conserve water, dams cause more harm than good.

1. Use water sparingly, only use as much as necessary. 2. Spread to word about deforestation to lower our general demand for water. 3. Stay informed. 4. Make a donation.
 * Ways we can prevent this industry from causing deforestation:**

An organization that works to save the rainforest from this industry is Conservation International. Their goal is to ensure a healthy and productive planet for us all. They are also working to move whole societies to a smarter development path, which is essential if we want to preserve this amazing Earth we live on. One of the organizations main goals is to understand and protect the sources and flows of fresh water.
 * Conservation International:**

**Two animals that are affected by Dam Construction:** **Chinese Paddlefish**: The Chinese Paddlefish is critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. In 1981 the contruction of the Gezhouba Dam blocked the migration route of this animal. Only two adults have been seen since 2002. This shows that this animal is nearly extinct and got wiped out by this major constuction. There are estimated to be less than 50 of this species left.

**South Asian River Dolphin:** The South Asian River Dolphin is endangered on the IUCN Red List. They were listed endangered in 2008 when the species went two different ways due to a dam construction taking over their shelter. **A company that is involved in deforestation:**
 * United States Society on Dams :** The USSD is a national organization that works on dam engineering, construction, operation and safety while protecting the environment. One of the goals of USSD is to provide a better understanding of dams and how important they are to everyone. They must take into consideration environmental issues, features to add to the dam, and the geology of the area.