Activists protesting another hydroelectric dam, the Belo Monte on the Xingu River in the state of Pará
AP Photo/Eraldo Peres
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The latest hydro-electric power plant to go up on Brazil's Aripuana river was built on an ancient burial ground, according to indigenous protesters, and they want compensation for it. They say the site is 30 km from their reserve and has damaged their culture and environment.
To get their message across, they took over the power plant this weekend, demanding talks with the company and with government officials.
The plant, 250 miles north of the Mato Grosso state capital, is one of several being constructed in the Amazon region—and one of several that have stirred opposition from indigenous groups and are expected to destroy local ecosystems.
It is expected to start operations by January 2011, and though this latest protest may have come to an end, the debate certainly has not.
More about Brazil and the environment:
Brazil's Deforestation Again Increasing As Economy Improves
Large-Scale Soy Farming Pushing Cattle Ranchers Deeper Into Amazon
Amazon Deforestation Shoots Up in June - Forest the Size of Los Angeles Cleared in One Month
5 Reasons Why Large Dams Have to Go Now; 5 Ways to Help Make That Happen
