Gender-Differentiated Impacts of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Dam on Downstream Fishers in the Brazilian Amazon

Author(s)

Castro-Diaz, Laura ^[1] ; Lopez, Maria Claudia ^[1] ; Moran, Emilio ^{[2, 3]}

Affiliation

^[1] Michigan State Univ, Dept Community Sustainabil, East Lansingy, MI 48824 - USA

^[2] Michigan State Univ, Ctr Global Change & Earth Observat, E Lansing, MI 48824 - USA

^[3] Michigan State Univ, Dept Geog Environm & Spatial Sci, E Lansing, MI 48824 - USA

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Human Ecology; v. 46, n. 3, p. 411-422, JUN 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 5

Abstract

The Belo Monte Hydroelectric dam on the Xingu River in the Brazilian Amazon will be the third largest dam in the world in power generating capacity (11 GW). Its construction has brought negative socioeconomic and environmental impacts for local fishers that far outweigh the benefits. We used a qualitative case study approach to explore perceptions among fishers in a community downstream from the dam of the impact of Belo Monte on their livelihoods and their fisheries. We found that fishers, who, although they were not displaced were neither consulted nor compensated, have been severely impacted by the dam, and that fishermen and fisherwomen are differentially affected. More attention needs to be given to downstream communities and the impacts they experience. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/51465-0 - Social and environmental processes that accompany the construction of Belo Monte hydroelectric dam, Altamira, PA
• Grantee: Emilio Federico Moran
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - SPEC Program