Minister Flávio Dino, of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), ordered this Tuesday (2) that the federal government release R$19 million to indigenous communities affected by the construction of the Belo Monte hydroelectric plant, in Pará. The amount should be used to increase the benefit of the Bolsa Família program to indigenous people.
The decision was made in the process in which Dino determined that indigenous people must have a share in the plant’s profits.
“I verify that a relevant amount is taken care of, essential for the dignity of the indigenous communities affected by the Belo Monte plant, especially in Volta Grande do Xingu”, decided Dino.
The amount that will be allocated to the indigenous people is deposited in a specific account and comes from monthly transfers made by Norte Energia, the company responsible for the hydroelectric plant, between the months of March and October this year.
Participation
In March this year, the minister recognized the right of indigenous people to profits. The decision was motivated by an action filed by the Yudjá Miratu Association of Volta Grande do Xingu.
The entity alleged to the STF that Congress is in legislative omission by failing to approve the regulation of constitutional provisions that guarantee community participation in the results of the exploitation of water resources and mineral wealth that are on indigenous lands.
The communities reported the problems faced in the Paquiçamba, Arara da Volta Grande do Xingu and Trincheira Bacajá indigenous lands with the construction of the Belo Monte plant.
Among the problems listed are the decrease in the flow of the Xingu River, which harmed fishing and navigability, fish deaths, turbidity and potability of the water and a decrease in hunting.
According to the minister, the plant began operating in 2015 and worsened the way of life of the region’s indigenous people.
