ABSTRACT
The Bayano Hydroelectric Complex, one of four hydroelectric development projects planned by the Panamanian government, was complete at last. Below the crowd the turbulent waters of the Bayano River, one of three major rivers of the Darien, rushed through the deforested basin which was to be the dam's reservoir towards the soon-to-be closed gates of the huge dam. The Bayano Dam, already in the planning stages when Torrijos assumed control in a military coup d'etat in 1968, was a major stride towards making the dream come true. nstead of the beautiful lake envisioned by the dam's planners that would draw tourists, and irrigate carefully cultivated fields while it powered two massive turbines, the Bayano reservoir for the most part was a muddy swamp. In the Bayano, the construction of the dam and road accelerated regional deforestation by facilitating access to the region and its resources. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
