Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant Research Articles

PHYTOPHYSIOGNOMIES OF THE REDUCED FLOW STRETCH OF THE BELO MONTE HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANT IN PARÁ, BRAZIL

The Belo Monte hydroelectric power plant has a section known as the reduced flow stretch (RFS). In this area, the environmental classification of vegetation was based on unclear criteria and various inconsistencies. In view of this, the objective of the present study is to delimit and classify the phytophysiognomy and flora of this area by analyzing the botanical material collected at the RFS in 2019 in Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant, Xingu River, Brazil. This material was described and systematized according to the APG IV classification system and compared with the existing literature on the theme for the definition of phytophysiognomies. Thus, the study identified 514 individuals distributed in 74 families, 180 genera, and 185 species, while the previously used names Sarobal, Beiradão, Açaizal, Grota, Restinga, Ilha, and Golosal do not correspond to distinct or scientifically recognized phytophysiognomies. Technical reports must be adapted to the scientifically recognized phytophysiognomies

Possible Impact of the Construction of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant on Cases of Congenital Syphilis in the Xingu Region

Syphilis is considered a serious public health problem in Brazil and worldwide. The disease is especially worrying during pregnancy, as the mother can transmit the infection to her fetus, causing congenital syphilis. In this context, few articles have established a causal relationship between the growth in the number of cases of gestational and congenital syphilis in the Xingu Region and the construction of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Plant. Objective: This study aims to analyze the influence of the intense migratory flow resulting from the construction of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant on the cases of congenital syphilis. Methodology: This is an ecological study of congenital syphilis reported in the Xingu Region from January 2007 to 2019, using data obtained from the Information System of Notification Grievances. Results: It was found that there was an influence of the construction of the Belo Monte hydroelectric plant on the number of cases of congenital syphilis in the region.294 cases of congenital syphilis were reported. The most affected pregnant women were between 16 and 20 years old, were brown, had incomplete primary education and lived in the urban area. The study revealed numerous shortcomings in prenatal care provided in the Xingu Region.

Regionalization of Climate Change Simulations for the Assessment of Impacts on Precipitation, Flow Rate and Electricity Generation in the Xingu River Basin in the Brazilian Amazon

This study applied regionalization techniques on future climate change scenarios for the precipitation over the Xingu River Basin (XRB) considering the 2021–2080 horizon, in order to assess impacts on the monthly flow rates and possible consequences for electricity generation at the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant (BMHPP). This is the fourth largest hydroelectric power plant in the world, with a generating capacity of 11,233 MW, and is located in the Brazilian Amazon. Two representative concentration pathways (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) and an ensemble comprising four general circulation models (CanESM2, CNRM-CM5, MPI-ESM-LR and NORESM1-M) were used. The projections based on both scenarios indicated a considerable decrease in precipitation during the rainy season and a slight increase during the dry season relative to the reference period (1981–2010). According to the results, a reduction in the flow rates in Altamira and in the overall potential for power generation in the BMHPP are also to be expected in both analyzed periods (2021–2050 and 2051–2180). The RCP 4.5 scenario resulted in milder decreases in those variables than the RCP 8.5. Conforming to our findings, a reduction of 21.3% in the annual power generation at the BMHPP is expected until 2080, with a corresponding use of 38.8% of the maximum potential of the facility. These results highlight the need for investments in other renewable energy sources (e.g., wind and solar) in order to compensate for the upcoming losses in the BMHPP production.

Gradual and Transformative Institutional Change: the influence of stakeholders and advocacy coalitions at the Belo Monte Hydroelectric power plant

Abstract This work analyzes the performance of stakeholders and advocacy coalitions in processes of gradual institutional change based on the case study of the Belo Monte hydroelectric power plant. The methodology adopts content analysis, using shorthand notes of hearings held in the National Congress, and other publicly available documents. In-depth semi-structured interviews were also conducted, collecting data from individuals involved in the history of the power plant. The study allowed to characterize stakeholders pro or against the enterprise, observing their degree of influence and the role played. In addition, the work used the Advocacy Coalition Framework to verify how stakeholders formed three advocacy coalitions and exerted the strategies of institutional change ‘displacement,’ ‘conversion,’ and ‘layering’ following the gradual and transformative institutional change model. Empirical evidence indicates that the composition of coalition members may determine the type of institutional change and that institutional changes can also result from learning among coalitions, as the incorporation of socio-environmental considerations that have altered the original design of the hydroelectric power plant.

Gradual and Transformative Institutional Change: the influence of stakeholders and advocacy coalitions at the Belo Monte Hydroelectric power plant

Abstract This work analyzes the performance of stakeholders and advocacy coalitions in processes of gradual institutional change based on the case study of the Belo Monte hydroelectric power plant. The methodology adopts content analysis, using shorthand notes of hearings held in the National Congress, and other publicly available documents. In-depth semi-structured interviews were also conducted, collecting data from individuals involved in the history of the power plant. The study allowed to characterize stakeholders pro or against the enterprise, observing their degree of influence and the role played. In addition, the work used the Advocacy Coalition Framework to verify how stakeholders formed three advocacy coalitions and exerted the strategies of institutional change ‘displacement,’ ‘conversion,’ and ‘layering’ following the gradual and transformative institutional change model. Empirical evidence indicates that the composition of coalition members may determine the type of institutional change and that institutional changes can also result from learning among coalitions, as the incorporation of socio-environmental considerations that have altered the original design of the hydroelectric power plant.

A perspectiva emancipatória do Direito ao desenvolvimento no contexto de uma cultura de sustentabilidade

Esta pesquisa propõe a aplicação do conceito de desenvolvimento, outrora sinônimo de crescimento econômico, a partir de um entendimento ampliado, especialmente por conta da Declaração sobre o Direito ao Desenvolvimento de 1986; de modo que, ao integrar as perspectivas econômicas, sociais, culturais e políticas em determinado contexto histórico, garante maiores condições de efetivar direitos humanos de forma indivisível e interdependente. Trata também das novas possibilidades de busca de um modelo de desenvolvimento sustentável, nesta perspectiva alargada do seu conceito, a partir da valorização da soberania popular, com a participação efetiva do povo na condução das funções estatais, como proposta de um constitucionalismo emancipador. O trabalho apresenta ainda, como exemplo concreto para avaliação das possibilidades e desafios de efetivação do direito ao desenvolvimento e de uma cultura de sustentabilidade, uma visão crítica de como tem sido resolvida a questão da construção da Usina Hidrelétrica de Belo Monte, no Pará, Brasil. Com base na revisão bibliográfica crítica, análise de normas convencionais e estudos acerca do desenvolvimento, conclui-se que é urgente a necessidade da superação de uma concepção economicista de desenvolvimento, a partir de uma concepção ampliada de desenvolvimento humano com base em uma cultura de sustentabilidade forte e biocêntrica.

Island and Riverine populations of Alouatta belzebul from the Brazilian Amazon parasitized by Pediculus mjobergi.

Mammalian lice are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites that remain on the host throughout the life cycle. This study showed an endangered wild howler species (Alouatta belzebul) parasitized by Pediculus mjobergi. Twenty-seven primates were rescued during wildlife rescue activities in the process of vegetation suppression at the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant (UHE), located on the lower Xingu River, in the Brazilian Amazon basin. Among the 27 primates examined from two vegetal formations (alluvial rainforest and liana-infested forest) areas, 13 (48.15%) were parasitized by lice with all positive primates being from alluvial rainforest. Optical and scanning electron microscopy allowed the visualization of the structures and the diagnostic characters of the lice species in greater detail expanding the current description. These results highlight the importance of considering ecological and regional features to provide a better understanding of the factors that promote parasitism.

Lazer em Altamira-PA e as transformações após a construção da Usina Hidrelétrica de Belo Monte

Esta pesquisa investigou as manifestações do lazer na cidade de Altamira-PA, considerando as transformações urbanas advindas da implementação da Usina Hidrelétrica “Belo Monte” (UHBM). De maneira geral, descreveu-se as principais práticas de lazer existentes na cidade de Altamira, considerando a relevância da implementação da UHBM como evento indutor de um considerável reordenamento na lógica da (re)produção dos espaços de lazer. As entrevistas abertas e a observação participante constituíram-se em estratégias metodológicas dessa pesquisa, na medida em que possibilitaram uma melhor compreensão da realidade do lazer de Altamira. Os resultados evidenciaram um forte processo de (re)definição dos espaços de lazer, caracterizados pela ação de agentes, instituições, Estado, e dos sujeitos residentes na cidade. A realidade emergente evidencia uma nova dinâmica dos espaços e das mútiplas práticas de lazer no advento da UHBM. Tem destaque nesse cenário, a emergência de novos arranjos na “territorialidade do lazer”, caracterizados pelas novas formas estabelecidas pelos sujeitos, destacando-se o aumento dos espaços privados de lazer em comparação aos públicos.
 Palavras-Chave: Lazer, Hidrelétrica Belo Monte, Altamira-PA.

Social environmental injustices against indigenous peoples: the Belo Monte dam

PurposeThis proposal is a case study of the Belo Monte dam. The article deals with human rights and environmental violations arising from the construction of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant in the northern region of Brazil. This paper aims to evidence human rights violations brought by the construction Belo Monte dam, a glimpse of the COVID-19 scenario and how Brazilian regulation allowed those violations.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve the objective of this article, the Brazilian norms, public policies and the current situation of the affected communities were analyzed, focusing on the human rights violations and the historical timeline of this mega-project. The analysis was directed to the hardcore social sciences, considering analytical and qualitative research.FindingsThe data gathered and the references consulted proved that many human rights violations occurred and that the vulnerability of indigenous and local people increased with the construction of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant in the northern region of Brazil. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this adverse scenario since indigenous and local people already had their vulnerabilities increased with the construction of Belo Monte.Research limitations/implicationsThe Belo Monte Dam has had severe and irreversible impacts on the lives of local communities, especially indigenous peoples, as it had destroyed their culture and the environment. The authors were not able to do fieldwork, due to the great distance of the dam. In this sense, the research does not cover all the social–environmental issues, as an ethnographic approach is necessary.Originality/valueThe authors intend to bring attention to harms caused to indigenous people and the local communities, expecting to create an alert of what this kind of project can do to vulnerable peoples' life, especially now with the pandemic scenario, which makes indigenous and traditional communities more vulnerable to diseases due to the loss of their territories.

Agentes comunitários de saúde no contexto da implantação de grandes obras de infraestrutura: o caso da hidrelétrica Belo Monte, Altamira-PA

O artigo analisa a percepção dos agentes comunitários de saúde (ACS) sobre o desempenho de suas atividades no contexto de implantação da Usina Hidrelétrica Belo Monte em Altamira-PA. Essa obra intensificou os processos econômicos e sociais e evidenciou os desafios do trabalho comunitário. Através de grupos focais e questionários aplicados aos ACS, em 2015, analisamos a percepção dos ACS que trabalham na região impactada pela usina sobre: o reconhecimento e satisfação com seu trabalho; a identificação de áreas de risco e de famílias expostas à situação de riscos; as dificuldades encontradas durante as visitas domiciliares; e os impactos nos indicadores de saúde trazidos pelo empreendimento Belo Monte. O artigo pretende contribuir na proposição de estratégias futuras que fomentem a melhor incorporação desses agentes no processo de identificação e mitigação dos impactos causados por grandes empreendimentos, dada a sua proximidade e experiência cotidiana com os problemas da cidade e de seus residentes.

Impactos das alterações no uso e cobertura do solo no Município de Altamira, Pará

Em virtude do desenvolvimento intencionado a partir da dinâmica da paisagem, e pela construção da Usina Hidrelétrica de Belo Monte, o espaço urbano de Altamira sofreu grandes transformações na cobertura do solo. Diante disso, este trabalho objetivou classificar e quantificar as alterações sofridas no uso e cobertura do solo na microrregião urbana de Altamira nos anos de 2010 e 2018. Na metodologia, utilizou-se a plataforma online MapBiomas para classificação e quantificação das classes de uso e cobertura da terra. Os valores das amostras foram medidos pela calculadora estatística e pela calculadora de campo do software QGis 3.4.13. O software foi utilizado para as análises qualitativas e quantitativas e para geração do produto final (mapas de uso e cobertura do solo). Os resultados demonstraram que em 2010, a área ocupada por formação florestal se estendia por 23.631 km², já em 2018 abrangeu 26.081 km². Verifica-se que a infraestrutura urbana aumentou consideravelmente (71%). Uma característica importante observada é o aparecimento de uma nova classe no ano de 2018, referente ao plantio de culturas anuais e perenes, o que pode ser associado às novas atividades praticadas, decorrentes do aumento populacional, e expansão da atividade agrícola na região. Portanto, a classe que sofreu maior modificação na região central de Altamira é a de infraestrutura urbana. É possível constatar que a presença de novas construções como a Rodovia Transamazônica e a Usina hidrelétrica de Belo Monte, provocaram uma grande alteração no uso e ocupação do solo da região, principalmente quanto à malha urbana da localidade.

Barragem dos bilhões

Este artigo tem como objetivo realizar uma análise dos custos dagrande construção da usina hidrelétrica de Belo Monte, que se localiza às margensdo Rio Xingu, próxima ao município de Altamira, no sudoeste do estadodo Pará. Para atingir este objetivo, o trabalho possui outros três objetivos específicos:1) Averiguar os custos da hidrelétrica de Belo Monte; 2) Apresentar oorçamento inicial e final da usina; 3) Entender quais as razões para o planejamentofinanceiro da hidrelétrica ter fracassado. Para atender a estes objetivos, ametodologia utilizada foi uma pesquisa qualitativa e exploratória, de caráter bibliográficoe documental, abrangendo temas como planejamento, análise prospectivade cenários e orçamento, de modo a apresentar e entender porque os custosfinais da Hidrelétrica de Belo Monte foram consideravelmente mais altos do queos custos iniciais previstos no planejamento.

Desenvolvimento regional e aceitabilidade social de grandes projetos de infraestrutura: o caso da Câmara Técnica de saúde do PDRS do Xingu

O artigo analisa o processo de aceitabilidade social da Usina Hidrelétrica de Belo Monte e as disputas em torno da responsabilização pelos impactos à saúde através da análise da Câmara Técnica de Saúde do Plano de Desenvolvimento Regional Sustentável do Xingu. A análise sobre a gestão desse Plano evidenciou como as relações imprecisas e conflituosas entre os setores públicos e privados afetaram as atribuições de responsabilidades em relação aos impactos socioambientais. Constatamos que as assimetrias de poder entre os grupos sociais e entre as agências de governo, as relações público-privadas, as fragilidades do pacto federativo brasileiro e a tendência para a sobreposição de esforços em participação social, sem articulação com os mecanismos de participação e controle sociais já existentes, tendem a elucidar os motivos da baixa eficácia do Plano para garantir a sustentabilidade regional do território impactado por Belo Monte.

The discourse and coordination among advocacy coalitions: the case of Belo Monte

Purpose This study aims to analyze the use of discourse to solve issues related to coordination between advocacy coalitions in processes of gradual and transformative institutional change related to public policies. Design/methodology/approach Theoretical background is based on the advocacy coalition framework (ACF), new discursive institutionalism and critical discourse analysis theories. The research examines shorthand notes of public hearings held in the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies and the Federal Senate between 1999 and 2012, carrying out a case study on Belo Monte hydroelectric power plant. The speech extracts were categorized according to the modes of operation of ideology and typical strategies of symbolic construction proposed by Thompson (1995). Findings The results suggest that the discourse can be an instrument of internal coordination and between coalitions that share beliefs about a policy, as in the case of Belo Monte. Potentially existing coalitions define their identities and set positions on controversial issues, aligning interests and expectations. In the case studied, the modes of operation of ideology verified as instruments of the coalitions were dissimulation, reification, fragmentation, unification and legitimation. Research limitations/implications The paper represents a unique analysis of the modes of operation of ideology (Thompson, 1999) in the case of Belo Monte. In addition, the paper aims to contribute to the New Discursive Institutionalism and to the ACF when it uses the critical discourse analysis to articulate a method to analyze the use of the Discourse by the coalitions. In fact, such an approach integrating the ACF, the New Discursive Institutionalism and the critical discourse analysis is something original. Finally, it also addresses a gap in ACF: issues related to advocacy coalition coordination. Practical implications Attentive readers linked to organizations working on infrastructure and environmental policies can benefit from the results by envisaging the deliberate manipulation of typical symbolic construction strategies and general modes of operation of ideology. Social implications The study sheds light on the daily and behind-the-scenes disputes among stakeholders who are interested in a certain public policy. It may draw attention to the access and professional use of the shorthand notes of the hearings held at the National Congress. Originality/value This paper aims to fill a gap pointed out by Jenkins-Smith et al. (2014) regarding problems of coordination of advocacy coalitions. In addition, it innovates by using critical discourse analysis as a methodological reference in ACF empirical studies. In addition, this work continues a trajectory of two other previously published studies dealing with the same phenomenon: a theoretical essay and a case study.

Ministério Público e a judicialização da política: uma análise a partir da implantação da Usina Hidrelétrica de Belo Monte no Pará

Com base no estudo de caso sobre a implantação da Usina Hidrelétrica de Belo Monte e a atuação do Ministério Público Federal do Pará, apresentamos neste artigo uma análise institucional do Ministério Público desde o período de elaboração da primeira lei orgânica do MP (1981) e das leis que passaram a regulamentar suas atribuições, especialmente a lei que dispõe sobre a política nacional do meio ambiente (1981) e sobre a Ação Civil Pública (1985), coincidindo com a transição democrática no país, o que nos faz abordar abreviadamente esse período e a evolução do direito civil no mesmo. Analisamos a atuação do Ministério Público do Pará no caso da Usina Hidrelétrica de Belo Monte e a utilização da Ação Civil Pública especificamente nos casos que envolvem a defesa do Meio Ambiente, a definição de direitos difusos e coletivos, destacando o direito constitucional a um meio ambiente ecologicamente equilibrado.

FLOODS AND SOCIAL VULNERABILITY: STUDY ON THE XINGU RIVER IN ALTAMIRA / PA

Abstract The objective of this research was to classify the social vulnerability in Altamira-PA, considering the occurrence of seasonal floods and the future scenario of stabilization of the water level in the flood quota. The Social Vulnerability Index was determined by using fluviometric station data provided by ANA and socioeconomic variables from IBGE. The results indicate a moderate to low vulnerability that does not reflect the socio-spatial environment of the area, where the alert level of 6 m is recurrently exceeded during the floods of the Xingu river. The Belo Monte hydroelectric power plant will ensure the maintenance of the level of floods, which implies in the demand of urban planning that can reduce the liabilities generated by both the maintenance of wetlands, and for the extensive relocation of people, in addition by studies that assess the influence and consequence of extreme events in the region.

Age and growth of the endemic Xingu River stingray Potamotrygon leopoldi validated using fluorescent dyes.

Between 2003 and 2005, vertebrae of 151 Xingu River Potamotrygon leopoldi (Potamotrygonidae) (75 males and 76 females) were analysed to derive a growth curve for this species. The disc width (WD ) was significantly different between sexes, with females measuring 149-700 mm WD and males 109-500 mm WD . The average percentage error for vertebrae readings of the whole sample was 2·7%. The marginal increment ratio (RMI ) showed an increasing trend with the highest value in November, decreasing from December on. The majority of vertebrae displaying RMI zero, occurred in September, but the annual periodicity of ring deposition throughout the year was not conclusive. Tetracycline (TCN) injected specimens were held in captivity for 13 months and displayed a fluorescent mark in vertebrae confirming a yearly periodicity of band pair formation with the translucent ring deposited in September-October. The Akaike information criterion (AIC) showed that, among the seven models considered, the best fit was obtained for the von Bertalanffy modified with W0 (where W0 = WD at birth) for both sexes. Growth parameters for females were: W0 = 149 mm; W∞ = 763·06 mm; k = 0·12 year- 1 , whereas for males: W0 = 109 mm; W∞ = 536·4 and k = 0·22 year-1 . Maximal ages were 7·2 years in males and 14·3 years in females. The species shows sexual dimorphism expressed in the growth pattern, size at maturity, longevity and asymptotic sizes. Concern for sustainability is raised due to the construction of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant (2015 and 2016) in the State of Pará causing changes to the habitat of this species, which is endemic to the Xingu River and two of its tributaries.

The Middle and Lower Xingu: the response to the crystallization of different temporalities in the production of regional space

While the region of the Middle and Lower Xingu has been a protagonist during many episodes of Brazilian history, it remains unknown to a large cross-section of society. Within this perspective, we have revealed some of the different elements responsible for the production of regional space by joining theoretical exercise with empirical, which signifies combining some of the knowledge that has been produced on the region with the discourse of some of the different agents involved in its transformation. Accordingly, the following processes were adopted as markers: colonization, the opening of the Trans-Amazonian, land conflicts and the construction of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant. As part of this collective effort, based on interviews with the central institutions (from the First, Second and Third sectors), and with communities from different locations within the region, this article gathers together arguments that contribute to the debate regarding the accumulated processes in the Brazilian Amazon, and particularly in the Middle and Lower Xingu.

Baited remote underwater video as a promising nondestructive tool to assess fish assemblages in clearwater Amazonian rivers: testing the effect of bait and habitat type

Baited remote underwater video (BRUV) systems are being used in marine ecosystems as a nonextractive, cost-effective method of assessing the fish fauna with minimal species bias. This technique has had limited applications in freshwater ecosystems. Rheophilic fish assemblages of the Xingu River, a clearwater Amazonian river in Northern Brazil, were sampled with BRUV systems. Two-hour video recordings were collected using five different bait treatments (sardine, croaker, cat food, sweet corn, and no bait) in two lotic habitat categories (rocky and sandy bottoms). A total of 2460 fish from 56 taxa and 13 families were recorded from the 80 BRUV deployments. Significantly different fish assemblages, species richness, and abundance were detected between habitat types and among treatments. Our results suggest that the use of crushed sardines as a standardized bait optimizes the sampling recording the highest species richness, relative abundance, and number of exclusive species of rheophilic fish in clearwater Amazonian rivers. The data also highlight the unique fish diversity of the Xingu River prior to the expected large-scale environmental degradation resulting from the forthcoming operation of the Belo Monte hydroelectric power plant.

Contributions to the knowledge of amphibians and reptiles from Volta Grande do Xingu, northern Brazil

The region of Volta Grande do Xingu River, in the state of Pará, presents several kinds of land use ranging from extensive cattle farming to agroforestry, and deforestation. Currently, the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant affects the region. We present a checklist of amphibians and reptiles of the region and discuss information regarding the spatial distribution of the assemblies based on results of Environmental Programmes conducted in the area. We listed 109 amphibian (Anura, Caudata, and Gymnophiona) and 150 reptile (Squamata, Testudines, and Crocodylia) species. The regional species richness is still considered underestimated, considering the taxonomic uncertainty, complexity and cryptic diversity of various species, as observed in other regions of the Amazon biome. Efforts for scientific collection and studies related to integrative taxonomy are needed to elucidate uncertainties and increase levels of knowledge of the local diversity.