A Falsa Promessa- Movimento dos Atingidos por Barragens(MAB-RO)

Summary

This transcript highlights the deep socio-political and environmental issues surrounding the construction of large hydroelectric dams in Rondônia, Brazil. It underscores the negative impact on local communities, particularly Indigenous and Quilombola populations, who face displacement and rising poverty. The script critiques the privatization and internationalization of energy production, which leaves the local population burdened with high costs while the benefits of energy production flow elsewhere. It also highlights the destructive impact on the region's rivers, livelihoods, and ecosystems, as well as the broader implications of Brazil's historical development model and its exploitative approach to natural resources.

Takeaways

• 😀 Large hydroelectric dams in Rondônia have led to significant social and environmental consequences, particularly for indigenous and traditional communities.
• 🌍 The region's development has been driven by external economic interests, with multinational companies exploiting local resources, leaving communities with few benefits.
• 🔋 While Rondônia produces a substantial amount of energy, the benefits of this energy are mostly exported to larger urban centers like São Paulo, with local residents paying high prices for energy.
• 💡 Despite promises of industrial growth and job creation, the construction of hydroelectric dams often results in increased poverty, with the local economy stagnating after the initial construction phase.
• 📉 The privatization of the energy sector in the 1990s and its subsequent sale to international corporations has worsened local energy issues, with rising electricity tariffs for residents.
• 💥 The construction of dams like Samuel, Santo Antônio, and Jirau has had severe environmental impacts, including the destruction of fish habitats and alteration of local rivers, which were previously vital to local communities.
• 🔥 The displacement of local populations, particularly indigenous peoples, is often marked by violence and forceful removals, with no regard for their rights or traditions.
• 🚧 The local government, along with multinational corporations, have often colluded to pass laws that benefit these corporations, disregarding the interests of local communities and environmental sustainability.
• 🌱 Local communities, including Indigenous and Quilombola populations, are often left without adequate resources and basic services, such as reliable access to electricity and infrastructure.
• ⚖️ The speaker advocates for a different model of development, one that focuses on national sovereignty, equitable distribution of wealth, and local control over resources, rather than reliance on multinational corporations and exploitative growth models.

Q & A

What is the main issue raised regarding the development model in Rondônia?

The main issue is the inequalities generated by the development model, particularly in relation to energy production in the region. The model benefits large corporations, while the local population bears the environmental and economic costs, without seeing significant local development or benefits.

How does the energy industry in Rondônia impact the local population?

The local population pays the costs of energy production but does not benefit from the energy generated. While major hydropower projects produce large amounts of energy, the profits go to distant areas, and local communities often face negative environmental and social consequences.

What historical context is provided about the development model in Rondônia?

The region's development was shaped by the military dictatorship in Brazil, which used large infrastructure projects to exploit the Amazon's natural resources. The state viewed the region as a source of raw materials for the rest of Brazil, especially for energy and minerals, without regard for the local communities or environment.

What is the impact of the privatization of the energy sector in the 1990s?

The privatization led to the transfer of the energy sector to international capital, exacerbating the exploitation of the region's resources without any commitment to the local population. This has worsened the existing issues, as the new foreign-owned companies have little regard for the welfare of the local people.

What happened to local employment after the construction of hydropower plants in Rondônia?

Although there were promises of local employment, most of the jobs during the construction of the hydroelectric plants were filled by workers from outside the region. After the construction, poverty in the affected areas increased, and the local population did not experience the promised benefits of development.

What is the social and economic condition of the areas affected by the hydropower plants?

The areas affected by the hydropower plants remain impoverished, with little development despite the large-scale energy production. These regions face economic stagnation and rely heavily on the export of commodities, while social issues like violence, criminality, and lack of employment opportunities persist.

How have the hydropower projects altered the environment, particularly the rivers?

The hydropower plants have severely impacted local rivers, altering their natural flow and reducing fish populations. These changes have directly affected the subsistence of local communities, especially indigenous and fishing populations, who depended on the river for food and livelihood.

What were the social and environmental consequences for indigenous populations after the construction of hydropower plants?

Indigenous populations, particularly those who resisted relocation, faced extreme violence and were forced to leave their ancestral lands without recognition of their rights. The construction of these plants caused displacement and destruction of traditional lifestyles, with little to no consultation with these communities.

How has the energy sector privatization in Rondônia affected the pricing of electricity?

The privatization and subsequent takeover by companies like Energisa led to higher electricity prices for consumers. Despite initial promises of tariff reductions, the tariffs were later increased by up to 30%, placing a financial burden on local households, especially those in poverty.

What is the proposed alternative to the current development model in the region?

The proposed alternative is to break free from the dependence on exploitative economic cycles and to promote national sovereignty, wealth distribution, and popular control over resources. The goal is to create a more autonomous and sustainable model of development that benefits local communities and respects human rights.