As Brazil continues its march to become a world leader, the desire to modernize the country could end up having some unforeseen, or at least poorly thought out results.
Currently there are projects underway to build a dam on the Xingu River in Amazonas, and two dams on the upper Madeira River. The dams on the Madeira would be in the state of Rondonia and in Bolivia but the effect will be felt down on the Amazon because the Maderia is the principal tributary of the Amazon River.
I lived along the Madeira River for several years in the town of Nova Olinda do Norte. I traveled by boat from where it empties into the Amazon and I have been to the navigable river end in Porto Velho, Rondonio.
Those who live along its banks are accustomed to it during the flood season and when its banks drop during the dry time. The same is true of those who reside along the Xingu River.
Dams that will change the flow of the rivers could have negative effects both on the humans and wildlife that depend on the rivers for their survival.
Let us hope that the legislators in Manaus and Brazilia begin listening to the ecologists, naturalists and the citizens of the rivers before they follow through with these projects.
Modernization is fine, as long as we do not destroy an important part of us in the process.
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