The Alto Maipo hydroelectric project…developed by AES Gener, a Chilean subsidiary of US-based AES Corporation…is located in the river basin…[that] provides drinking water for 6 million people and 2 million tourists…as well as providing irrigation water for 120,000 hectares of agricultural land. The area is so important that it is protected by several decrees and rulings in the Chilean legal system…To [further] finance the project AES Gener is seeking funds from several banks to fund 60-70 per cent of the project costs including from the International Finance Corporation…The project is opposed by all the farmers who use water for irrigation, tourist and construction materials trade associations, trade unions and citizen associations...The public authorities identified many negative impacts on areas supported by the river-bed including irrigation canals, drinking water collection points...The General Water Authority highlighted the negative impact on...water irrigation which would weaken the security of Santiago's supply of drinking water...To date several prominent lawyers have begun lawsuits in Chilean courts. International court cases are also being prepared to be put before international courts. In addition social movements have held massive street protests...