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Brazil suspends Amazon dam project targeted by Avatar director mongabay.com April 15, 2010 Judge Antonio Carlos de Almeida Campelo also cancelled the construction auction for the project scheduled for April 20 and ruled that IBAMA, Brazil's environmental agency, refrain from issuing a new license for the project. "It remains proven, unequivocally, that Belo Monte's plant will exploit the hydroelectric potential of areas occupied by Indigenous people who would be directly affected by the construction and development of the project," wrote the judge in the decision. The judge also warned that "while merits of this complaint have not been judged," companies involved in the project could be prosecuted for "environmental crime." Avatar Last week Cameron and Weaver traveled to Brazil for a visit indigenous communities that would be affected by the project, which could flood 500 square kilometers of pristine rainforest, force the relocation of some 12,000 people, and block migration of important fish species. When running a full capacity, the 11,000 megawatt dam could generate electricity for up 23 million homes in Brazil. The dam, which when completed would be the world's third-largest, would cost $12-17 billion. Related articles Film Director James Cameron’s Next Film on the Amazon (04/04/2010) Fresh off his huge blockbuster success with Avatar, James Cameron is taking a commendable stand on indigenous issues in the rainforest. Flying down to Brazil’s Amazonian city of Manaus recently, the film director criticized the Belo Monte hydro electric dam project. "For people living along the river, as they have for millennia," he said, "the dam will end their way of life. I implore the Brazilian government, and President Lula, to reconsider this project."
Tags: brazil amazon activism environmental activism Amazon river rivers dams hydroelectric power hydropower energy green environment indigenous people Amazon People indigenous rights latin america south america rainforests forests Environmental news index | RSS | News Feed | Twitter | Home Advertisements:
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