BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE DAM: CONFLICTS AND DIVERGENT CONCEPTIONS ABOUT BELO MONTE

Abstract

In a contemporary context marked by increasing debate on sustainability, energy, and climate justice, this article examines the divergent views surrounding the implementation of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant. The perspectives of Indigenous peoples and riverine communities, whose traditional territories are located near the Xingu River, are contrasted with the technical approaches of the Federal Government, which promotes the expansion of the national electric system while frequently overlooking socio-environmental impacts. The plant exemplifies a hegemonic model of development that privileges an urban minority at the expense of the survival of traditional populations. By discussing the technical differentials of hydropower in relation to other energy sources, the analysis reveals Belo Monte as an expression of energy neocolonialism, highlighting the undermining of climate justice and the credibility of Brazil’s energy transition. The research adopts a methodological approach that combines historical, energy-related, and political analysis, enabling an integrated understanding of the project’s context. This methodology underscores the importance of the 1989 Altamira Gathering and presents the narratives of the federal government, the Assurini people, and riverine communities, addressing their differing views on the plant. By exploring the dilemma of hydropower in comparison with other energy sources, the article fosters a critical dialogue on the impacts and implications of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant, ensuring that the relevance of the topic remains central to contemporary debates.