Despite successful attempts to block dam construction in the past, they continue with the project in Kayapo territory.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-16228680
Yet other areas have had more recent success.
http://www.internationalrivers.org/2012-3-29/judge-suspends-construction-license-controversial-teles-pires-dam-brazilian-amazon
The article was about a dispute over whether or not to build a Dam in the Xingu river. While at first the Judge ruled in favor of not building the dam, he later revised his opinion stating that it could be built with certain precautions. He changed his mind because he felt the effects of he dam could not be understood fully until after it was built. The company was happy that he ruled for the dam to be built.
ReplyDeleteIm not sure if I feel that the judge made the right decision to revoke his previous ruling about the project, however it is stated that the damn is needed for the growing need of energy, so on one hand it makes sense. Yet, if it does interfere with the families who rely on fishing it could ultimately harm the population. At one point it was stated that studies to determine whether or not the damn would be harmful could not be studied until after it's completion, therefore I feel that these studies should be done as soon as possible, for if there could be potential harm, it would be recognized hopefully before hand and precautionary measures could be taken.
ReplyDeleteI think both parties have a good point, built the Dam will certainly be beneficial and really helpful to everyone. at the same time, it's not the best place to built it because it's the territory of indigenous people, and it has their entire history. their ancestors lived there, and their just trying to preserve their heritage. they have been living there for years, and are probably used to to the area, and what to do to survive on a daily basis. If they get kicked out of their territory, they will probably have a hard time to adapt anywhere else and that will have a negative impact on them. is that the only river the Dam can be built on? I'm sure the government can find another way to work out that energy problem.
ReplyDeleteI'm really of two minds about the issue. On one hand, I certainly see the need for the protection of the indigenous people and the preservation of their culture and society. On the other hand, I see the need for the dam and the energy it will provide. The question that comes to my mind is this - do we err on providing for the needs of the many, or do we allow a culture of a few to take precedent? I honestly don't know which one.
ReplyDeleteThis is an issue that I don't think can be solved. One of the sides in this does not want the dam to be built because it could destroy parts of the environment, while the other wants the dam to be built because it will provide more energy to parts of Brazil. I think up to a certain point, the indigenous people need to be protected because the water is their means of transportation and their livelihood. Up to a certain point this makes complete sense, but after a certain amount of time, Brazil will run out of resources to supply energy and continuing the construction of the dam will be the only option that is left behind. If I had to choose a side for this, I would support the judges initial decision to stop construction for the time being.
ReplyDeleteI think that this is a difficult argument to take a stance on, but I have to side with the indigenous people. Just because they don't formally own the deed to land doesn't mean that the government can come in and take their land. Most likely, they were never given the opportunity to even own the land.
ReplyDeleteWhile a hydroelectric dam can be very helpful to society, there should at least be a reasonable effort to work with the indigenous tribe. After all, I would be furious if someone made me leave my home just so they could build something like a highway
I found it surprising that the judge based his ruling on the effects on the environment instead of how they affected the people in the area. It seems like they value the wildlife over the rights of the Kayapo. I’m glad that other areas have had success with protecting their land. Before this class, I had not heard about the Kayapo because the situation had received a lot of publicity despite involvement from celebrities. It will be interesting to follow the story to see what happens with their displacement.
ReplyDeleteI think that this will be a continuous issue. Although they have stopped construction on the Xingu river dam, I believe the work will start back up. I think that more people would be in support of having a dam because it would provide a great energy source. I see that a dam causes great hurt to indigenous people, with their hunting, fishing, home, and religion, but many people tend to look over these types of people. I think that the government will continue to work on the dam because judge martins believes that you will not see the environmental impact of the damn until it is finished. this leaves you with the idea that the government will look over the indigenous people and hope for the best.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to tell the exact effect on the environment that comes with any large industrial project. At first the dam was ruled not to be built, but with time passing, it was eventually able to be built. There are multiple advantages that come with the creation of the dam, such as increased energy and power for people in surrounding areas. The native people do not support the building, seeing as it would start depleting their natural resources and environment. Tough decision for the Brazilian government to solve.
ReplyDeleteThis is a perfect example of choosing the lesser of two evils. Both sides make a valid argument for their side. Yes, there is a need for dam energy; but what price is the government willing to pay for it? The culture and livelihood of a native group? It almost puts a price tag on the identity of a native people. This case provides a perfect example of how tricky it can be in making decisions regarding the preservation of culture vs. the advancement of technology/urban civilization.
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