Since 2012, Eletrobras has supported the implementation of socio-environmental responsibility projects with the Kayapó indigenous communities of the Badjônkore, Baú, Kayapó, Las Casas and Mekrãgnoti indigenous lands, located in the middle Xingu River basin, southern Pará. The more than R$11 million invested by Eletrobras in partnership with Norte Energia SA — the consortium responsible for the Belo Monte plant — covers approximately 30 villages and 6,000 indigenous people and focuses on four fronts: institutional strengthening of the implementing indigenous associations; monitoring and territorial protection; support for sustainable economic activities; and cultural appreciation. The projects are implemented by two indigenous associations: Forest Association Protected and the Kabu Institute, which represent, respectively, the Kayapó of the East and West of the Xingu.
Eletrobras' relationship with these Kayapó communities began during the study and licensing processes for the Belo Monte hydroelectric plant, an 11,233 MW hydroelectric project on the Xingu River that will be able to supply energy to an average of 18 million homes. In its analysis of the indigenous component of the Environmental Impact Study for this project, the National Indian Foundation (Funai) considered that seven ethnic groups and ten indigenous lands would be directly impacted and established, as a licensing condition, the development of the Basic Environmental Plan (PBA) for compensation and mitigation together with them.
In 2010, Eletrobras and Funai signed a memorandum of understanding to develop specific programs to support and assist indigenous communities directly or indirectly affected by the implementation and/or operation of projects in which Eletrobras and/or its subsidiaries have a direct equity interest. Considering that the indigenous communities directly impacted by Belo Monte had already been covered by the PBA, Funai suggested that Eletrobras support the implementation of projects with the Kayapó of the middle Xingu, given the relationship with these peoples since the beginning of the Belo Monte project.
In a transversal manner, these projects also contribute to improving the dialogue and relationship between Eletrobras and the Kayapó, a public of strategic interest to the company's business in the region. These communities have preserved the natural resources of the Amazon rainforest, in the region known as the “Arc of Deforestation”, contributing significantly to the conservation of rivers. Thus, supporting the Kayapó in preserving their traditions, their lands and their material living conditions is an action that also enhances the success of Eletrobras' business in the Xingu basin.
Strengthening its commitment to sustainable development, in 2016, Eletrobras began to reference its business to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are a global agenda adopted during the United Nations Summit on Sustainable Development in September 2015, consisting of 17 goals and 169 targets to be achieved by 2030.
Check out below how the achievements made possible by socio-environmental responsibility projects with Kayapó indigenous communities relate to the SDGs:
273%
of increase from 2014 to 2015 in the amount of Amazon chestnut collected by the Kayapó of the West with sustainable management
Partnership with the Menire Institute – empowerment, cultural appreciation It is increase in income in Kayapo women through the craftsmanship
4
artesian wells drilled in villages, serving about 100 indigenous people
148
houses built with local materials It is sustainable technologies, strengthening the constructive autonomy of the indigenous people
R$470 thousand
working capital invested in acquisition of products from sociobiodiversity
Kayapo directly from indigenous producers
Eletrobras companies carry out other projects with indigenous communities, such as:
O Waimiri Atroari Program, maintained by Eletrobras Eletronorte;
O Avá-Canoeiro Support Program, developed by Eletrobras Furnas.
The #PorUmMundoMelhor (#PorUmMundoMelhor) mobilization, coordinated by the Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development (CEBDS), brings together 20 companies from the most diverse segments. Learn more here BASF initiatives and here Shell's.
