Avaliação do processo de cobertura da terra no entorno de usinas hidrelétricas na Amazônia brasileira: a evolução da UHE de Tucuruí

Abstract

The analysis of the environmental impacts produced by the construction of megaprojects in the Amazonia has been the field of study of several researches. In this work, the object of study was the Tucuruí hydroelectric power plant, built in the state of Pará. Since it is a strategic region for the expansion of the capacity of hydroelectric power generation of Brazil, it has been the focus of several analysis approaches aimed at subsidizing the best characterization of future scenarios. The model of land cover change was discussed in the riparian areas and in the surroundings of the reservoirs, motivated by the modification of the dynamics of the natural ecosystems. This phenomenon is caused by the extensive reservoirs and migratory aspects, in an already consolidated situation. It was carried out a multitemporal mapping and analysis of Landsat satellite images of the representative dates of the different stages of construction, inauguration, expansion and current scenario of the hydroelectric power plant. It was also sought to verify if the increase of the anthropic areas, in the municipalities directly affected by the reservoir, have a compensatory role in the improvement of the socioeconomic conditions in the region. In fact, these regions absorb the social, economic and environmental costs associated with the construction and operation of the plants, while the energy benefits are distributed to other regions of the country. It is hoped, therefore, to contribute with a critical evaluation of the new hydroelectric plans, predicting the possible environmental and social impacts of the project, given the history of events already observed in the Tucuruí hydroelectric power plant. Also, to contribute to the debate on elements that induce "regional development", thus subsidizing public management, the private sector and the academic community, regarding the formulation and implementation of actions aimed at the improvement of life quality in these localities.