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Brazilian Dams

Tucuruí Dam, Brazilian Amazon
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Xingu Encounter 2008 - May 19-23


Brazil is one of the world’s leading dam–building nations, and is already highly dependent on hydropower for its electricity, with about 80% of its electrical energy coming from large dams. Despite recent initiatives to diversify the country’s sources of electrical energy generation, energy planners and industries are pressing for a major expansion of hydroelectricity in Brazil, saying it is crucial for the nation’s economic growth.

Drawing Lessons from Dams and Displacement

Tue, 03/15/2011 - 5:26pm
By: 
Katy Yan
Carpenter in front of his home, before and after it was demolished (Linda Butler, 2001 and 2003)

Carpenter in front of his home, before and after it was demolished (Linda Butler, 2001 and 2003)

"Art goes around our neatly arranged arguments. Art allows us to see beauty, feel joy and anger. Art doesn't follow a party line, but punches us in the stomach when we least expect it."- Peter Bosshard, opening of Artists Respond to Three Gorges.

For the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest and most (in)famous dam, you could throw around some impressive facts and figures and everyone would shake their heads at them:

  • 1.3 million people displaced and 13 cities, 140 towns and 1,350 villages submerged
  • 12% of resettlement funds embezzled by corrupt officials
  • Up to $88 billion spent to build the project and deal with the environmental aftermath
  • A reservoir that could stretch from San Francisco to Los Angeles

While the list goes on, what moves the heart is not data. It's the stories and images of those most affected by the project and by the displacement and destruction it induced.

Nam Theun 2 Delays Reaching Critical Stage: International Rivers' Report

International Rivers

The Nam Theun 2 Hydropower Project in central Laos is not ready for reservoir impoundment, according to a report released today by International Rivers. The report, based on a recent site visit by International Rivers’ staff, shows that shortcomings and delays in programs to compensate villagers and restore their incomes have not been addressed. Furthermore, it is unclear if resettlement infrastructure for more than 6,200 villagers on the Nakai Plateau will be completed on time for reservoir filling to begin in June 2008.

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Nam Ngum Hydropower Cascade Threatens Poverty Reduction in Laos

International Rivers

Poor sector planning, lack of public participation aggravate social and environmental impacts described in ADB report

A report presented in Vientiane today on the cumulative impacts of hydropower development in Laos' Nam Ngum river basin indicates that proposed dams would have serious impacts on the livelihoods of tens of thousands of Laotians. But the flawed planning process makes it unlikely that this Asian Development Bank (ADB)-supported cumulative impact assessment (CIA) will have any influence over decisions taken on whether or how to proceed with these hydropower schemes.

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NGOs to China: Don't Repeat the West's Mistakes in Africa

As the African Development Bank convenes in Shanghai for its annual meeting, African and international civil society groups call for greater public accountability in China’s relations with Africa China’s expanding role in Africa may represent a great opportunity for development, but only if China is careful not to repeat the errors that Western powers made in the past.

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Nam Theun 2 Investigation Exposes Project Failings

International Rivers

"Model" Project Leaves Lao Villagers in the Lurch

The Nam Theun 2 (NT2) hydropower project in central Laos, touted by the World Bank and others as a "model" dam and development project, is in danger of becoming yet another failed effort, according to a report released today by International Rivers.

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