Contributions for the use of qualitative indicators: an analysis of Itaipu Power Plant’s Sustainability Program

Abstract

In recent years, we have been witnessing a change in the impact and repercussions sustainability issues have on society. For governments and corporations alike, sustainability is a high priority theme connected to strategy. Biodiversity conservation is considered a national security matter by many countries. In this perspective and due to its complexity, the concern with the evaluation of sustainability programs becomes increasingly implicit. There is a growing trend toward the advocacy of participative governance, which takes into account the perceptions of people affected by programs and actions, including that of communities, in decision-making. In this context, the objective of this study is to analyze some environmental programs based on Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant’s strategic sustainability plan, considering existing quantitative indicators, and proposing complementary qualitative ones. This program was analyzed using a qualitative research approach, including interviews, analysis of reports, and technical visits (in situ observation). It was observed that the program includes permanent and integrated actions for the protection of regional biodiversity, operating based on a participatory management system, involving both governmental bodies and civil society. From the point of view of results, we could identify separable tangible results and proposed qualitative indicators which will contribute to a more complete evaluation of the program, such as: involvement of local population, improvement of the ecosystem and biodiversity, and empowerment of aforementioned population.