6 Jan 2008

Kayapot to fight massive dam project

Brazilian Kayapo tribals at meeting to organize protests against large dams.

Mebegokre Kayapodians have vowed to oppose the building of five dams along the Xingu River in Amazonia. Two hundred Kayapot recently to discuss the dams, which they fear will have a devastating impact on the environment and will flood large parts of their land. Many Kayapo pressed their concern and anger that the Brazilian government and the electricity company Eletronorte had not been open about the project, and had flouted Brazil's constitution by failing to consult with the communities who will be affected if the project goes ahead. 

It is a major disappointment that Brazilian President Lula, who was the great hope of the Brazilian people, either colludes with or turns a blind eye to the goings on of corporations in his country - at the cost of the sweet people of Brazil. Large dams must be opposed. They wreak unbounded destruction to biodiversity. They cause thousands or millions to be displaced, homeless, impoverished and devoid of their former cultural communities. 

World Prout Assembly: BRAZIL: Kayapt to fight massive dam project