Stop the Belo Monte Dam in Brazil
Despite massive international and national protest, The Brazilian government is moving ahead with its plans to build the third-largest dam in the world and one of the Amazon’s most controversial development projects – the Belo Monte dam on the Xingu River in the state of Pará. According to Amazon Watch, the Belo Monte dam complex dates back to Brazil’s military dictatorship and the government has attempted to build it through various series of national investment programs.
What will the effects of the dam be?
The dam will cause massive flooding on prime agricultural land and forest. It will also cause a permanent drought on the Xingu River, which will affect the Paquiçamba territory of the Juruna indigenous people. Amazon Watch estimates that over 20, 000 people will be relocated from surrounding municipalities. Furthermore, they estimate that two channels 500 m by 75 km wide will have to be dug to divert water to the power plant – more earth than was removed to build the Panama Canal.
What are some future problems?
The dam will likely cause further destruction of the Amazon, because it will be highly energy inefficient. Amazon Watch states that, “it will produce only 10% of its 11,233 MW installed capacity during the 3-5 month-long dry season, an average of only 4,462 MW throughout the year, or 39% of its nominal capacity. To guarantee a year-round flow of water, the government would need to construct another series of large dams on the Xingu and tributaries that will impact forests and forest peoples.”
What can you do?
Take action by calling the Brazilian Embassy: http://amazonwatch.org/brazil-action-alert.php
Learn more: http://www.internationalrivers.org/node/5302 or http://www.amazonwatch.org/amazon/BR/bmd/
