Project 6

The socio-ecological system of the Volta Grande do Xingu is formed by a seasonally flooded forest ecosystem (igapó), an aquatic ecosystem of rapids, and riverside and indigenous communities, including the Paquiçamba and Arara Indigenous Territories of the Volta Grande do Xingu. This system is unique and is at risk of collapse due to the severe drought conditions imposed by the diversion of the Xingu River's waters for hydroelectric power generation (Belo Monte HPP). This water restriction condition also mirrors the effects of climate change on the alluvial forests of the large clear-water rivers (Tapajós, Xingu, and Tocantins) of the Amazon. Thus, the project's goal is to seek resilient and sustainable alternatives for maintaining the socio-ecological system of the Volta Grande do Xingu, through the exchange of knowledge and training of local researchers/monitors. To this end, a spatio-temporal characterization of the physical environment, water availability, and specific biological groups (plants, birds, turtles, fish, and aquatic macroinvertebrates) will be carried out. Due to the high heterogeneity and seasonality of the socio-ecological system of Volta Grande, this goal will only be achieved through collaborative research between the indigenous and riverside communities of Volta Grande and a multidisciplinary team of researchers.

Themes

Indigenous Peoples, Traditional Knowledge, Environmental Degradation, Income Generation

Territorial Coverage

Volta Grande do Xingu Region (PA)

Principal Investigators

Amazonas: Camila Cherem Ribas / National Institute for Amazonian Research (INPA)

Pará: Janice Cunha / Federal University of Pará (UFPA)

São Paulo: André Oliveira Sawakuchi / University of São Paulo (USP)

Resources Invested

R$ 1,170,600.00

In the media

https://sumauma.com/es/belo-monte-floresta-e-academia-se-unem-para-salvar-a-volta-grande-do-xingu/