Water sharing and resilience of a unique socio-ecological system in the Volta Grande do Xingu

• Grant number: 22/10323-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: February 01, 2023 - January 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Convênio/Acordo: CONFAP - National Council of State Research Support Foundations
• Principal Investigator: André Oliveira Sawakuchi
• Grantee: André Oliveira Sawakuchi
• Host Institution: Instituto de Geociências (IGC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Adriano Costa Quaresma ; Alexandra Vieira Suhogusoff ; Anne Moreira Costa ; Camila Cherem Ribas ; Cristiane Costa Carneiro ; Dailson José Bertassoli Junior ; Daniel Souza dos Santos ; Fabiano do Nascimento Pupim ; Fábio Batagini Quinteiro ; Fabricio Beggiato Baccaro ; Ingo Daniel Wahnfried ; Jandessa Silva de Jesus ; Janice Muriel Fernandes Lima da Cunha ; Marcus Vinicius Domingues ; Maria da Glória Motta Garcia ; Marksuel Sandro Silva de Medeiros ; Thais Regina Mantovanelli da Silva

Abstract

The socio-ecological system of the Volta Grande do Xingu integrates seasonally flooded forests (igapó), freshwater rapids and indigenous and river dwelling communities. This unique system is under risk of colapse due to severe dewatering promoted by water diversion for hydropower generation (Belo Monte power plant). This condition also emulates the effect of severe climate change droughts in alluvial forests of large Amazonian clearwater rivers (Tapajós, Xingu and Tocantins). In this context, the goal of this project is the searching for resilient and sustainable alternatives for conservation of the Volta Grande socio-ecological system. For this purpose, we aim to perform a spatio-temporal characterization of the physical landscape, hydrology and specific biotic groups (plants birds, chelonia and fishes) of the Volta Grande. Due to the high spatial and temporal heterogeneities of this soci-ecological system, this is only possible through collaborative research among indigenous and river dwelling communities and a multidisciplinary team of researchers. Hence, this project will integrate traditional and scientific knowledge to promote a sustainable future for this unique socio-ecological Amazonian system. (AU)