Brazilian Dams / Reports

Alerts regarding the consequences of hydroelectric projects planned for the Xingu River, Brazilian Amazon

Publication of the panel of experts on the Xingu hydroelectric complex, May 2005

Executive Summary

1. Summary of the plans for hydroelectric dams on the Xingu River

An obsession of global engineering is the fixed idea to dam all rivers that have significant hydroelectric potential. Within this vision, rivers are no longer viewed as living flows of water, bio–chemical media which maintain life in equilibrium, including the lives of riverbank dwellers and migratory animals. Instead, rivers are examined using calculators, as if they only existed to be blocked by a giant wall to have their energy exploited.