The Stream, November 18: Irrigation Increasing Peru’s Agricultural Exports By $1 Billion

The Global Rundown

Peru is opening a large irrigation project to boost agricultural exports. Australia is spending millions on water projects in New South Wales, while Guatemala is spending millions to repay families affected by the Chixoy Dam. A transport route between the Baltic and Black Seas is being revived. Farmers in Bangladesh are growing food in floating gardens to combat climate change, while Japan is growing coral to combat sea level rise. Severe rain storms hit Beirut.

“Chinook salmon are big fish, and they like to go where there’s big water.” –William Cox, manager at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, on the state’s delayed salmon run, possibly due to warmer water temperatures and lower river flows. (Reuters)

By The Numbers

$1 billion Amount Peru expects its agricultural exports to increase due to the massive new Olmos irrigation project. Andina

$154.5 million Reparations to be paid to 33 communities affected by the construction of Guatemala’s Chixoy Dam. International Rivers http://www.internationalrivers.org/blogs/233-0

29 water projects Number being considered in New South Wales for $83 million in funding from a water security program. The Nationals

73 millimeters Rain that fell in Beirut in 24 hours Sunday, more than the entire monthly average for November. Aljazeera

Science, Studies, And Reports

Researchers in Japan are trying to find ways to better preserve and grow coral reefs in an effort to keep territory safe from rising sea levels. The New York Times

On The Radar

Farmers in Bangladesh are turning to floating river gardens to grow food in an era of climate change. The New York Times

Poland, Belarus and Ukraine are looking to reopen a river transport route connecting the Baltic and Black Seas, but face environmental concerns. Belarus Digest

Codi Kozacek

A news correspondent for Circle of Blue based out of Hawaii. She writes The Stream, Circle of Blue’s daily digest of international water news trends. Her interests include food security, ecology and the Great Lakes.
Contact Codi Kozacek