Brazil 'should be ashamed' over rainforest dam

A number of organisations concerned over the impact of the Belo Monte dam on the rainforest have sent a letter to the president of Brazil, urging him to reconsider the building of the hydro-electric project.

The Belo Monte dam is set to be built across the Xingu River, in Brazil, and should it be constructed it will be the world's biggest hydroelectric power source.

The dam will divert water away from the main river into artificial waterways, which would leave large areas of the river to dry out. Many environmental groups have expressed concern over the impact on the indigenous communities in the area and the rainforest habitat.

However, president of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has previously pointed out that the land set aside for the dam is a much smaller area than was originally planned and the environmental impact has been considered and reduced as much as possible.

Some 140 groups have now written to the president to urge him to stop the plans and make alternative arrangements.

Written by Kimberley Homer.

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