Belo Monte Dam construction significantly reduced fish consumption in Amazonian communities

Why It Matters

This research highlights the critical need for designers and engineers to consider the cascading socio-ecological impacts of large infrastructure projects. Understanding how resource extraction and alteration affect local communities' food systems is essential for developing more sustainable and equitable designs.

Key Finding

Over a decade, Amazonian communities near the Belo Monte Dam ate less fish, even when sharing meals with fewer people. This decline was linked to the dam's environmental effects, particularly during dry seasons and droughts, and wasn't offset by eating more types of fish.

Key Findings

• Fish became less common in the diet over time.
• The quantity of fish consumed per person decreased.
• Adding more fish species to the diet did not increase overall consumption per person.
• The most significant changes in fish consumption occurred between 2013 and 2016, during the post-construction and pre-full operation phase, and were exacerbated during drought periods.
• Environmental impacts of the dam, rather than solely climatic events, were identified as the primary driver of reduced fish consumption.

Research Evidence

Aim: To assess the changes in fish consumption patterns within Amazonian riverine communities in relation to the construction and operation of the Belo Monte Dam, and to understand the role of environmental impacts and climatic events on food security.

Method: Longitudinal observational study

Procedure: Researchers monitored fish consumption in Amazonian riverine communities from 2012 to 2021, collecting data on the frequency and quantity of fish consumed, the number of people sharing meals, and the diversity of fish species in diets. This period encompassed dam construction, initial operation, and a severe drought.

Context: Amazonian riverine communities impacted by the Belo Monte Dam.

Design Principle

Resource alteration projects must proactively assess and mitigate impacts on local food security and ecosystem services.

How to Apply

Before initiating projects that modify river systems or natural habitats, conduct thorough research into the dietary dependencies and resource access of local populations. Develop adaptive management plans that address potential disruptions to food security.

Limitations

The study focused specifically on fish consumption and may not capture the full spectrum of dietary changes or other livelihood impacts. Attributing specific consumption changes solely to the dam versus other environmental factors can be complex.

Student Guide (IB Design Technology)

Simple Explanation: Building big dams can make it harder for people living nearby to get and eat enough fish, which is a main food source for them.

Why This Matters: This shows that design decisions can have serious real-world impacts on people's ability to feed themselves, especially in vulnerable communities.

Critical Thinking: To what extent can the impacts of large infrastructure projects on food security be fully mitigated, and what are the ethical responsibilities of designers in such scenarios?

IA-Ready Paragraph: The Belo Monte Dam case study illustrates how large-scale infrastructure projects can significantly impair local food security by disrupting natural resource availability. Lopes et al. (2023) found a marked decrease in fish consumption among Amazonian riverine communities due to the dam's environmental impacts, underscoring the critical need for designers to integrate comprehensive social and ecological impact assessments into their project planning.

Project Tips

• When researching a project, consider how your design might affect the availability of natural resources for local communities.
• Think about the long-term consequences of your design choices on ecosystems and the people who depend on them.

How to Use in IA

• Use this research to justify the importance of considering social and environmental impacts in your design process, especially when dealing with resource management.
• Reference this study when discussing the potential negative consequences of altering natural environments and the need for sustainable solutions.

Examiner Tips

• Demonstrate an understanding of how design interventions can affect resource availability and food security for user groups.
• Show how you have considered and mitigated potential negative environmental and social impacts in your design proposal.

Independent Variable: ["Construction and operation of Belo Monte Dam","El Niño-induced drought"]

Dependent Variable: ["Fish consumption (frequency, quantity)","Dietary diversity (number of fish species)"]

Controlled Variables: ["Number of people sharing meals","Seasonality (drought vs. non-drought periods)"]

Strengths

• Longitudinal data collection over a significant period (2012-2021).
• Inclusion of construction, operation, and drought periods provides a comprehensive view of impacts.

Critical Questions

• What alternative food sources did the communities turn to, if any?
• How did the dam's impact on fish populations compare to the impact of the drought?

Extended Essay Application

• Investigate the impact of a local environmental change (e.g., new park, altered water flow) on the availability of a specific natural resource used by a community and how this affects their practices.
• Design a system or product that helps a community adapt to reduced access to a traditional resource, focusing on sustainability and cultural relevance.

Source

Droughts and controlled rivers: how Belo Monte Dam has affected the food security of Amazonian riverine communities · Environmental Conservation · 2023 · 10.1017/s0376892923000358