Significant indirect economic impacts

The impact matrix generated during prior environmental studies of the Belo Monte HPP identified the potential effects on the socioeconomic activities of the populations on the banks of the Reduced Flow Stretch (TVR), as well as on the flora and fauna of the Volta Grande do Xingu, in a 100 km segment. In response, six years of hydrograph testing were planned and the Integrated Management Plan for the Volta Grande do Xingu was implemented, as well as part of the Basic Environmental Project, and specific projects in the Reduced Flow Stretch, including the indigenous component.

Mitigation actions for VGX were initially foreseen in the Community Strengthening Plan and continuously implemented with the signing of the Environmental Commitment Term. Although not all impacts have been fully confirmed, some actions were anticipated and carried out preventively, based on environmental monitoring and studies.

These measures were drawn up with the participation and guidance of the environmental agency, which oversees, monitors and directs the implementation of projects and mitigation and compensation measures. In 2023, Norte Energia maintained these mitigation measures under development in the region, through the Environmental Commitment Term signed with Ibama. It also continued dialogue with riverside communities and indigenous peoples of Volta Grande do Xingu to work together on mitigation and compensation issues. This was done through participatory monitoring, actions to improve access to water, sanitation, productive activities in fish farming, cocoa and food planting, improvements in the health system and land access, in addition to prioritizing support for navigation in the region.

The Sustainable Fishing Incentive Project is aimed at fishermen, through the Basic Environmental Project and the conditions aimed at mitigating impacts. It was developed in line with the impact matrix generated during the socio-environmental studies of the Belo Monte HPP, which indicated possible impacts on ichthyofauna and fishermen as a river environment had do adapt to a reservoir environment, and also because of the reduced flow stretch formation in the Volta Grande do Xingu.

Some examples of transformations promoted in the region through the socio-environmental commitments assumed by Norte Energia are: 

1. urban requalification (parks and waterfront, bridges, viaducts, streets and avenues);
2. construction and urbanization of six Collective Urban Resettlements (RUC), with 3,850 residences;
3. implementation of a water supply and treatment network, sanitation in the urban center of Altamira;
4. construction of sanitary landfills in Altamira and Vitória do Xingu;
5. renovation and expansion of schools;
6. construction of Basic Health Units (UBS), Hospital in Altamira;
7. construction of two Social Assistance Reference Centers (CRAS);
8. Xingu Penitentiary Complex.

These works generated formal jobs and income for the local population. They also placed Altamira among the few municipalities in the North region that benefit from a system of supply, collection and treatment of effluents for almost all urban homes, which resulted in important gains in health and sanitation.

Norte Energia develops the Socioeconomic Aspects Monitoring Program. Its main objective is to create and monitor indicators to monitor and identify possible interferences, whether or not foreseen in the PBA, in the municipalities of the Direct Influence Area (AID) and Indirect Influence Area (AII) of the project.