Letting the Xingu Run Freely

Fri, 06/15/2012 - 6:04pm
By: 
Berklee Lowrey-Evans

Early this morning, hundreds of people began an occupation of the Belo Monte Dam site near Altamira, Brazil, in the heart of the Amazon. They've dug a channel in the coffer dam to restore the flow of the mighty Xingu River, erected crosses along the edge in honor of the hundreds who have died defending the Amazon, and planted 500 native açai trees to stabilize the banks of the river. Our Amazon Program Director Brent Millikan is there, along with our partners from Amazon Watch and Movimento Xingu Para Sempre, and river activists from as far away as Turkey; they're all working together to reconnect the mighty waters of the Xingu River, protect the rights and livelihoods of the thousands of people who depend on a healthy Xingu, and make sure that rivers are on the agenda at next week's Rio+20 Earth Summit.

Watch a video of this historic event:

and then check out some photos.

More information: 

Photo credit: Atossa Soltani/Amazon Watch/Spectral Q

Comments

Brazil does not need this hydroelectric project - which is predicated on the false assumption that economic growth is inevitable in Asia and elsewhere and, as a consequence, also in Brazil. Not only are we bound by international agreements to ensure that greenhouse gases do not increase to an extent which will lock-in a rise in average global temperatue exceeding two degrees centigrade above pre-industrial levels, but recession in overinflated, indebted markets in Europe, America and Japan are in long term recession, dragging down the expansion of BRIC countries. There will simply be no markets for the products which the project's promoters hope will be produced using its electricity - the commercial risks should deter all but the most speculative investors (including money launderers) unless the Brazilian people are obliged to guarantee those investors a sufficient return on their investment (including access to raw materials at below market price).

Stop this project!

The land belong to its inhabitants, not to national or foreign corporations. OUT OF BELO MONTE!!!!!

Thanks be to God for People Power and the support of the IR..
This story is inspirational.

Shut down th Belo Monte Project!!!

Please, stop now this senseless project.
Humans have stop destroying EVERYTHING
little by little for the profit of a few. The people must be allowed to stay in their land and live as they choose, continuing their harmless traditions.
STOP NOW harassing them

Please respect the rights of local people. We are not to be made into
some general plan as if a conglomerate. Individuals have rights. The minority has to have a meaningful voice.

In Australia we find it hard to believe that your top politicians are so easily corrupted that they allow GREED to rule over Brazil. You must take a stand against this greed.

Years ago when no one knew how to harness solar power, we built hydro-electric dams in several places along the rivers of Washington. This just about ended our once prolific salmon runs. We went back and built fish ladders. Finally, we have begun to tear down the dams. Much was lost. The cost of dams is much higher than you imagine.
The cost of mining is never paid fully by the mining companies, but by the land, the animals, and the peoples of the region. Stand up to the mining interests!
For legitimate energy needs, in the long run, it is best to look to the sun. That provides reliable, clean energy.

Bravo to the people of Brazil. Thanks to people-power for upholding local sovereignty. The river supports people’s livelihoods and their sustainability. Stop this project!

Stop at insensate catastrophy, for the Amazon River Belo Monte, Your Eco-Systems, Your Pleople (The Xingù) And Patrimonium of Humanity. Sincerely. Wu Joong-Italy.

Who are you people to say what is good or not for Brazil? My country don't need this energy because we are not going expand our economy? Come on.....you have already destroyed you nature with thermal power, you increase the risk of a disaster with nuclear power, you occuy thousands of land with solar and eolic energy, who area you to tell that hydropower is worst? We need this energy as you needed back in the 50's or later. Now that balance is changing for or side you wan't to change the rules? Think about it.

Very helpful post "http://www.corejavatutorial.com"

Add new comment

By submitting this form, you accept the Mollom privacy policy.

Facebook

Twitter

Mailing lists

We offer many campaign-specific email lists to help you stay informed.

Sign up for urgent campaign actions and NewsStream:

Video

Belo Monte Controversy Featured in Damocracy

Belo Monte Controversy Featured in Damocracy