The Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystem Conservation Plans, which are part of the environmental conditions for licensing the Belo Monte HPP, are essential to minimizing impacts on biodiversity. Faunistic and floristic studies and monitoring are carried out there, prioritizing the identification of species and mapping habitats, with special attention to rare, endemic and endangered species.
It is worth noting that there was no introduction of invasive species, pests or pathogenic agents during the implementation and operation of the Belo Monte HPP. What has been observed so far are five exotic species in the fauna monitoring areas. All are associated with the historical human presence in the region, related to the use and expansion of agriculture and livestock, as well as hunting activities. The registered species are: ox (Bos indicus), buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), horse (Equus caballus), pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) and domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris).
By December 2023, Norte Energia had protected more than 6.2 million Amazon turtle, pitiús and tracajás hatchlings. They were all born on the beaches of Tabuleiro do Embaubal, Volta Grande do Xingu and the Xingu Reservoir, and were protected through Norte Energia’s conservation and management projects, an integral part of the PBA of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant.
Norte Energia develops conservation, monitoring and mitigation actions aimed at fish and fishing through the Ichthyofauna Conservation Program, part of the Belo Monte PBA.
The following projects are in progress:
- Ichthyofauna Rescue and Saving Project;
- Project to Implement and Monitor a Mechanism for Fish Transposition;
- Ichthyofauna Monitoring Project; and
- Sustainable Fishing Incentive Project.
In 2023, fish of 141 species were rescued, totaling 2,945.28 kg of fish rescued alive.
One of the most significant results of this project is the identification of 24 new species of fish. It resulted from the direct participation of the researchers involved in the monitoring and the material made available by the research. Of these species, 18 are endemic to the Xingu River basin. In 2023, three new species were officially described: Ancistrus luzia, Scobinancistrus raonii and Synbranchus royal.
Furthermore, three species are at an advanced stage of description, with articles already accepted for publication, submitted or about to be submitted. Three other species had their taxonomic studies initiated in 2020, as a result of technical cooperation between Norte Energia and UFPA. Finally, the description process is underway for seven species not yet catalogued.
The main objective of the Sustainable Fishing Incentive Project is to assess changes in commercial and local fishing activities, both for consumption and for aquariums. It also analyzes possible changes in subsistence fishing and fish consumption by the local population. This initiative enables the implementation of mitigation measures in the region of influence of the Belo Monte HPP.
As part of its environmental commitment, Norte Energia dedicates significant efforts to the conservation of flora in the Xingu region. This is possible through the implementation of a series of projects integrated with the Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystem Conservation Plans. Throughout the licensing process (2011-2023), in the areas designated for suppression and collection, the company rescued and collected a total of 4,326,673 seeds and propagules.
In addition, 201,923 plant and seedling specimens were recovered, of which 97.8% were reintroduced into their habitats. The contribution to scientific research was notable, with the production of 19,801 exsiccates (dehydrated plant samples), of which 19,483 were made available to teaching and research institutions, boosting the advancement of knowledge.
By December 2023, 721 plant species had been identified in a participatory monitoring process involving residents of local communities.