Two decades of clear-cutting threats in the Brazilian Amazonian protected areas around the Jirau, Santo Antonio, and Belo Monte large dams

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Mandai, Silvia Sayuri ; Branco, Evandro Albiach ; Moretto, Evandro Mateus ; Barros, Jocilene Dantas ; Alves, Guilherme Prado ; Utsunomiya, Renata ; Arcoverde, Gustavo Felipe Balue ; Assahira, Cyro ; Arantes, Caroline C. ; Lobo, Guilherme de Sousa ; Calvi, Miqueias Freitas ; Doria, Carolina Rodriguesda Costa ; Johansen, Igor Cavallini ; Carreiro, Gabriela Alves ; Bonavigo, Paulo Henrique ; Ferronato, Marcelo Lucian ; Reis, Vanessa Cristine e Souza ; Moran, Emilio Federico

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Environmental Management; v. 359, p. 16-pg., 2024-05-06.

Abstract

Deforestation rates in the Amazon have markedly increased in the last few years, affecting non-protected and protected areas (PAs). Brazil is a hotspot of Protected Area Downgrading, Downsizing, and Degazettement (PADDD) events, with most events associated with infrastructure projects. Despite the threats dams impose on PAs, there is a knowledge gap in assessing deforestation in PAs around large dams in the Amazon. This study investigates how deforestation affects Biodiversity Protection Areas (BioPAs) and Indigenous Lands around the Jirau and Santo Anto nio (JSA) dams (Madeira River, Rondo nia) and Belo Monte dam (Xingu River, Par <acute accent>a) in the Brazilian Amazon. We compared clear-cutting between PAs and control areas and the annual rates of forest change between pre -dam and post -dam periods. We discussed deforestation-related factors (e.g., PADDD events and the presence of management plans or councils). Our results show an increase in deforestation after the operation of the dams when environmental control from licensing agencies decreases and other political and economic factors are in practice. Indigenous Lands experienced a significant increase in deforestation around the Belo Monte dam, which is associated with the demarcation process and land conflicts. Surrounding the JSA dams, sustainable use BioPAs showed high deforestation rates, and 27 PADDD events were reported, four directly related to dams. In addition to dams, deforestation was associated with the crisis of Brazilian democracy and the weakening of environmental policies. In conclusion, the weak environmental control from environmental licensing agencies during dam operation and PADDD events have contributed to increased deforestation rates and additional stresses in the Amazon. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/08197-1 - After hydropower dams: social and environmental processes that occur after the construction of Belo Monte, Jirau and Santo Antonio in the Brazilian Amazon
• Grantee: Vanessa Cristine e Souza Reis
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 19/17113-9 - After hydropower dams: social and environmental processes that occur after the construction of Belo Monte, Jirau and Santo Antônio in Brazilian Amazon
• Grantee: Emilio Federico Moran
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - SPEC Program
• FAPESP's process: 20/07372-4 - Large hydroelectric plants and small hydroelectric plants in the Amazon Region: comparison of cumulative and synergistic impacts
• Grantee: Silvia Sayuri Mandai
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 20/16378-6 - After hydropower dams: social and environmental processes that occur after the construction of Belo Monte, Jirau and Santo Antonio in the Brazilian Amazon
• Grantee: Igor Cavallini Johansen
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral