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Deep in the heart of Chile's Patagonia region flow tow of the world's purest rivers, the Baker and Pascua. Fed by vast glacial systems, these untouched rivers drive biodiversity in rainforests, estuaries and marine ecosystems. They are also the life source for Patagonia's most tenacious residents: the Gauchos, the iconic South American cowboys who endure restless winds and long winters on remote ranches in these river valleys.
Now, five huge hydroelectric dams are planned for the two rivers. Promoted as "clean" energy, damming these major rivers would make floodplains out of river valleys, force ranchers off their land and wreak havoc on the massive ice fields and watersheds already under stress from global warming. Over the past century more than 45,000 large dams have altered the health of the planet's rivers with disastrous impacts that continue to unfold.
This award winning documentary captures the heated battle between those who wish to exploit rivers, and those who wish to preserve the rivers and their surrounding lands, and as well the traditional lifestyle of its inhabitants.
Audio: Part English, Part Spanish with English subtitles
2011
88 mins
Not Rated -Carlex would rate PG-13 due to brief foul language and implementation/aftermath of animal slaughtering by Gauchos
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