Sustainability: study on rural properties affected by the construction of a hydroelectric power plant in northern region of the state of Mato Grosso/Brazil

Abstract

The northern region of the State of Mato Grosso (MT), in Brazil, nationally recognized as a significant grain producer in the country, is undergoing transformations regarding key aspects of sustainability in certain areas near the construction site of the Hydroelectric Power Plant - HPP. In this scenario, the objective of this research was defined as studying the sustainability aspects perceived in the rural properties affected by the construction of a hydroelectric power plant in the municipality of SINOP (MT). To achieve the stated objective, a study was conducted on a sample of 15 rural properties that had a portion of their land affected by the construction of the power plant and in the process of reservoir flooding. Data collection occurred through the application of questionnaires, semi-structured script interviews with rural property owners, on-site and documentary observation, whose results will be presented through qualitative argumentative analysis, supported when necessary by quantitative parameters. The obtained results reveal that properties located in this region were directly impacted by the construction of this project, undergoing changes in environmental, economic, and social aspects, causing irreversible damage to the properties and hindering sustainable development in the region. In this context, sustainability assessment processes are considered important allies for managing sustainability in the agriculture sector and decision-making, as farmers in this region express concern about maintaining sustainability criteria and seek a balance between increased productivity and sustainable development.