Dams in Brazil's Remnant Atlantic Rainforests
11/1/95
OVERVIEW, SOURCE & COMMENTARY by EE
This list has repeatedly reported on threats to the Brazilian
Atlantic rainforests; whose original biodiversity and extent has
been much diminished, and whose remnants continue to be
threatened. The International Rivers Network reports on a plan to
build a large dam, which would impact one of the few remaining
intact expanses of Brazilian Atlantic rainforest. Also at stake
are the landrights of the areas riverine peoples. Appeals for
letters are made.
g.b.
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/* Written 11:10 AM Oct 31, 1995 by glenirn in igc:rainfor.genera
*/
/* ---------- "URGENT! DAMS IN BRAZILIAN RAINFORES" ---------- */
From: Glen Switkes
Subject: URGENT! DAMS IN BRAZILIAN RAINFOREST
URGENT: REQUEST FOR LETTERS TO GOVERNOR OF SAO PAULO TO SAVE
RIBEIRA DE IGUAPE RIVER IN BRAZIL'S ATLANTIC COAST RAINFOREST
October 31, 1995
THE FOLLOWING IS AN URGENT ACTION REQUEST FROM BRAZIL'S MOVEMENT
OF DAM VICTIMS
Background: The Ribeira de Iguape River is one of the few
remaining free-flowing rivers in Brazil's Sao Paulo state, and
flows through one of the few remaining vestiges of Brazil's
Atlantic Coast rainforest. The Atlantic Coast forest is one of
the earth's hotbeds of biodiversity.
In addition, the Ribeira valley is the homeland of 4,000 riverine
families, including descendents of former black slaves who found
refuge in the valley more than a century ago in communities known
as quilombos, and who use the forest sustainably.
A Brazilian aluminum company has proposed a series of
hydroelectric dams which would severely impact the river's
ecology and the inhabitants of the Ribeira valley.
On October 25, 1995, the State Legislature of Sao Paulo
approved Law 802/93 which:
- prohibits construction of hydroelectric dams on the Rio Ribeira
de Iguape, until the Ecological-Economic Zoning of the Ribeira
valley is completed, and
- prohibits construction of any engineering works which impede the
natural flow of the Rio Ribeira do Iguape or impact the
environment in the areas of the Atlantic Coast rainforest or the
lake estuaries of Iguape and Cananeia, without prior environmental
impact analysis.
This is a crucial step forward in stopping the Ribeira dams!!!
However, the governor of Sao Paulo, Mario Covas, has said
he plans to veto the legislation. It is crucial that Governor
Covas and the state Environmental Secretary, Fabio Feldman
receive letters urging the governor to sign the legislation.
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PLEASE WRITE LETTERS URGENTLY TO:
Exmo. Sr. Mario Covas
Governador do Estado de Sao Paulo
Av. Morumbi, no. 4.500
05698-900 Sao Paulo, SP
Brazil
fax: 11-845-3301
PLEASE SEND COPIES TO:
Exmo. Sr. Fabio Feldman
D.D. Secretario Estadual do Meio Ambiente
R. Tabapua, no. 81 - 9 andar
04533-010 Sao Paulo, SP
Brazil
fax: 11-822-8291
Ask the governor to sign this landmark legislation to protect the
Ribeira de Iguape River and the Atlantic Coast rainforest.
Please mention that the dams will impact the inhabitants of the
quilombos in the Ribeira valley who are seeking recognition
of their right to their traditional lands. Urge the governor to
take measures to protect the Ribeira valley, and to make it a
model of sustainable development in one of the few remaining
intact expanses of the Atlantic Coast rainforest.
For more information:
Glenn Switkes,
International Rivers Network
Berkeley, California, USA
tel: ?848-1155
fax: ?848-1008
email: glenirn@igc.apc.org
or
Sandra Inez G. Paulino
Movimento dos Atingidos por Barragens - Brasil
Rua da Consolacao, 21 - 9 andar - cj91 - centro
01301-000 Sao Paulo, SP
Brazil
telefax: 11-256-0839