InfoAmazonia visited location where illegal mercury is sold along the border between Bolivia and Brazil, for illegal use by wildcat gold mining operations in Amazonia. After the Minamata Convention, Bolivia became the world’s largest mercury importer and it is estimated that half of the metal is sold as contraband to neighboring countries including Brazil, which has eliminated its legal mercury imports.
Tag: Tapajós
From mining to fish: how mercury contaminates the Munduruku Indigenous community
Carnivorous fish are among the most consumed by the Munduruku and the most contaminated by mercury. Scientists suspect the toxic metal, found in the bodies of the members of this indigenous community is seriously affecting the health of adults and children who are born with malformations and developmental delays. Munduruku women already avoid getting pregnant.
Global Manifesto Calls for End of Investment in Hydroelectric Power Plants
The appeal signed by 300 organizations around the world addresses the COP26. According to the document, hydroelectric power plants increase greenhouse gas emissions and deplete natural resources. In the Amazon, Belo Monte deforested an area larger than the city of São Paulo. Works at 12 hydroelectric plants could lead to the deforestation of 9,500 km2 in the Tapajós river basin.
Caravan in defense of the Tapajós River warnings dams in Para state, Brazil
The event was a mobilization held by social movements of organizations of Pará municipalities of Santarém, Itaituba, Jacareacanga and Aveiro. These organizations are unified in the Tapajós Vivo movement, based in Santarém.
Recently discovered species and indigenous threatened by dam in the Tapajós
Eight new mammal species were found in the construction of São Luiz do Tapajós dam, which may become the most controversial hydroelectric project in the history of Brazil.
Chinese construction company plans to build huge dam in the Amazon
China Three Gorges, a state enterprise with a history of human rights violation, wants to build the dam São Luiz do Tapajós in Brazil.
Ibama suspends licensing of São Luiz do Tapajós hydroelectric, in Brazil
Funai, the institution responsible for indigenous issues, recognized Munduruku indigenous territory, and then the Brazilian Institute of Environment took the backing of hydroelectric.
Committee will be created to defend the basins of the Tapajós and Amazon rivers
The committee will be responsible for defense against social and environmental impacts in the basin and the region.
Tapajós hydroelectric will be auctioned in the 2nd semester 2016
According to Minister of Mines and Energy, Eletrobrás will enter the auction the plant. It was more than two years without being able to auction the construction of the hydroelectric plant.
Dams could increase deforestation in the Tapajós until 25%
A study shows that if the hydropower provided by the federal government are built, deforestation in the heart of the Amazon can reach 3.2 million hectares.