Voicing the invisibles: Investigating impacts of resettlement on riverine women due to the construction of Belo Monte Hydropower Dam

The construction of the highly contentious Belo Monte dam, a landmark event in Brazilian history, has significantly disrupted the free-flowing waters of the Xingu River. This river, renowned for its rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, serves as the habitat for numerous indigenous tribes and riverine communities. The establishment of a reservoir resulting from the dam's construction has led to the displacement of families, with many resettled to the outskirts of the nearby city of Altamira. This transformative event has particularly impacted riverine women, necessitating adjustments to their livelihoods in the face of alterations to traditional riverbanks and forest dynamics.

The consequences of this shift have compelled riverine women to adapt to urban living, where applying their traditional knowledge becomes challenging. The resultant disconnection from the river has had profound effects on the mental health and independence of these women. In response to these challenges, a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, predominantly comprising women from governmental authorities, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutes, led to the establishment of a riverine council. The primary objectives of this council are to uphold human rights and devise compensation strategies that align with the unique needs of the riverine community as they adapt to their new environment. Utilizing constitutional rights and methodologies often overlooked by the dam-operating company, the riverine community reclaimed their status as traditional people. It secured the right to return to the banks of the reservoir. Through persistent advocacy and collective struggles, riverine women flourished and found their voices, advocating for their rights. Collaborating with their male counterparts, a negotiation space emerged, facilitating the riverine community’s return to their customary livelihoods.

In summary, the Belo Monte dam's impact on the Xingu River prompted significant socio-environmental challenges for the riverine community, particularly women. The establishment of a riverine council, formed through collaboration among diverse stakeholders, played a pivotal role in restoring rights and negotiating the community’s return to their ancestral lands. This interdisciplinary effort, fueled by determination and resilience, underscored the importance of recognizing and addressing the intricate nexus between rivers, communities, and human rights.