Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Hydroelectric River Dams Threaten Brazilian Tribes and Amazon Rain Forests

I do not condone the random destruction of Amazon habitats by putting hydroelectric dams in every river tributary, but I also understand the need for progress. Is there not a balance that can be met by the Brazilian government between the farmers' need for cheap electricity and the tribes' need for land, fish and water?

Across Brazil alarm bells are ringing over plans to build at least 229 small hydroelectric dams, known as PCHs, which the government hopes will generate electricity and drive economic development.

Opponents say they will damage the environment and
destroy the livelihoods of thousands of Brazilian tribespeople.

There are 346 PCHs in Brazil, with another 70 under construction and 159 awaiting licences. If the construction of dams continues, "the fish will run out and the waters will start to go down," warned Komuru Txicao, a local tribesman. "Here in the forest we don't need electricity. We need fish,
water and land."

Source: London Guardian

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