Belo Monte: “cheap” energy at a very high cost

The Juruna of Volta Grande of Xingu have since the beginning of Belo Monte’s planning and construction, suffered huge and irreversible impacts on their health, safety and culture. The Volta Grande of Xingu, where fishing was once abundant, is drying out. Now fish is scarce, due to the barrage. This has tremendous consequences for the Juruna, forcing them to find other ways of feeding their families. This is completely changing their traditional way of life.

These images were recorded after the start of operations at Belo Monte mega hydropower plant.

Photographs taken during the shooting of “Amazonia Dammed”.

Belo Monte: The powerhouse Belo Monte: Trees were cut to form the dam reservoirMuratu under the blasing midday sunChief Gillard watches out for his community From young age Juruna people care for forest animalsBackgardens are always full_of local fruits and vegetablesA harmonious relationship with nature Jabouti are part of Juruna traditional dietRiver people: They are traditional_fishermen who make their own netsFish is the main component of the Juruna's dietBelo Monte mega dam is drying_out_the_home of Juruna, Volta Grande of XinguThese beaches are exposed_due_to_the_dramatic reduction of water levelsThe Juruna are finding new ways to feed their families as fish is scarceFrom fishermen to farmers. Indigenous people are_forced_through a very difficult transitionThis project is changing the Jurunas dietary and cultural habits

June 2016 Photography