It was precisely on December 15 that the emblematic anniversary of the Movement of Dam-Affected People was celebrated in the settlement of Sao Francisco, Rio Grande do Sul.

The place was chosen for its history: the resettling of peasant communities in that place was the result of the struggle of the people affected by Barra Grande dam, build on Pelotas River.

During MAB’s celebration, they read a letter sent by Minister Gilberto
Carvalho of the general secretariat of the Presidency. The letter says the federal government received a ““long list of demands” of the organization for 2012, which is being analyzed by the authorities”.

Carvalho said he hoped the dialogue with the organizations of people affected by dams “will take place next year”.

One of the biggest conflicts faced by the Brazilian government on this subject is the building of the controversial dam of Belo Monte, questioned by indigenous groups who live in the Amazon territory.

In an interview with La Voz de los Movimientos, Joenia Warichana, a leader of the indigenous struggle against Belo Monte said that winning this battle would also be a way of making sure there will not be hydroelectric plans for the Amazon region.

Photo:www.mabnacional.org.br