The Belo Monte hydroelectric plant, which stands on the Brazilian river Tapajós, began producing energy in November 2015 despite confirmed violations of the Brazilian constitution and international law. The severe impact of the dam on river biodiversity and indigenous communities was immediately apparent. The damage caused to fish populations, through the destruction of numerous spawning sites, was clear from the moment construction began, but it increased exponentially once the immense hydroelectric plant became operational.

Amazonia submerged

When Norte Energia, the consortium responsible for building the dam, diverted 80 per cent of the Xingu river's flow in order to fill the reservoir for the hydroelectric plant, a large number of fish became trapped in the Volta Grande, a bend in the river, and died of asphyxiation. "The fish could not survive given the high water temperature and low oxygen levels," explained biologist Cristiane Costa of the Federal University of Paraná. Many of the dead fish had been about to spawn but were unable to complete their reproductive cycle. "It was truly a serious mistake on the part of Ibama, the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources, to grant the licence for the construction of the Belo Monte dam during the South American summer in an El Niño year," the biologist stated. "Rivers in Amazonia were already affected by a historic drought, and the decision to divert water from the Xingu river to fill the dam's reservoir amplified the ecological damage."

Fish and fishermen condemned

In April 2016, Ibama fined Norte Energia approximately eleven million dollars for causing the death of over sixteen tonnes of fish. The actual impact on fish populations is still unknown, but according to experts the damage could be irreparable. Several years ago, when the Belo Monte dam was still just a project, a group of biologists commissioned to assess its environmental impact informed Norte Energia that the hydroelectric plant would seriously damage river life and the livelihoods of the people who depend on it.

Turtles at risk

The dam has not only severely affected fish; the survival of turtles such as the Arrau turtle (Podocnemis expansa) is also under threat. Close to the plant lie some of the most important breeding sites for turtles in the entire Amazon basin, such as the Tabuleiro do Embaubal beach. According to biologists, turtles make a 400-kilometre migration every year, travelling up the Amazon to lay their eggs on this beach. According to Ibama, Norte Energia had committed to managing the turtle breeding sites properly — something that did not happen. Costa also argues that the drastic decline in fish has fuelled illegal poaching of turtles. "River traffic also has dramatic consequences," the biologist continued, "because these barges frighten the turtles and delay egg-laying." Norte Energia, however, dismissed the accusations as lies.

The impact on indigenous communities

Given the damage done to the river, the riverside communities that depend on fishing for their livelihoods are now in serious difficulty. According to Isa, an NGO working to protect civil rights, Norte Energia carried out its planning and environmental impact assessments as though indigenous communities did not exist, thereby violating a binding agreement with the federal government. In 2011, Norte Energia, in agreement with the Brazilian government, agreed to pay one billion dollars to residents of the Altamira region, including nine indigenous groups, as compensation for the Belo Monte dam. According to Isa, to date only a minimal portion of this sum has been paid, and only 15 per cent of the compensation requested to protect indigenous groups' land has been distributed. This is without prejudice to the fact that it is unacceptable to put a price tag on a river or a people.

The river no longer provides sustenance

The humanitarian organisation also found an alarming rise in food insecurity in the region, with resulting disputes among families fighting over the scarce remaining resources. "The traditional way of life of these fishing families is heading towards extinction," reads a statement from Isa. Some of the fish most valued by riverside communities have disappeared, among them the piraíba. "This species is no longer found in the Xingu river — it disappeared last winter. Fishermen believe that explosions and lights drove these fish away, although the causes have yet to be confirmed," Cristiane Costa concluded.