Hidrelétricas no Rio Madeira

a avaliação ambiental estratégica como instrumento para o alcance da sustentabilidade

Abstract

This thesis is part of the line of research State, Transnationality and Sustaina­bility, and of the area of concentration Constitutionalism, Transnationality and Sustainability, of the Doctoral course of the Stricto Sensu Postgraduate Pro­gram in Legal Science of Univali. Its theme is an evaluation of the possibility of applying Strategic Environmental Assessment within the contexts of strategic actions and environmental governance involving the hydroelectric dams in the Madeira River, in the State of Rondônia, as an instrument for achieving sustainability. This investigation arose out of issues related to the implemen­tation of hydroelectric power plants in the Madeira River, and the limitations of the Environmental Impact Study for decision-making on strategic actions that will help to eradicate, reduce or mitigate environmental impacts in the re­gion, and maximize opportunities for sustainable development. In this same vein, the general scientific objective was to ANALYZE the possibility of imple­menting Strategic Environmental Assessment in the State of Rondônia, as part of the policies, plans and programs involving the hydroelectric plants in the Madeira River. The specific objectives were to IDENTIFY the evolution of envi­ronmental awareness, sustainable development and sustainability; to ESTAB­LISH observance of the preventive character of Environmental Law, having a knowledge of its structuring principles; to ACHIEVE the Environmental Impact Study, Integrated Environmental Assessment and the Strategic Environmental Assessment, as instruments for prevening social and environmental impac­ts; to KNOW the Brazilian energy matrix and, in particular, the hydroelectric matrix in the State of Rondônia, especially the plants built on the Madeira River; and to PROPOSE the implementation of the Strategic Environmental Assessment in the State of Rondônia, as an instrument for achieving sustaina­bility. The thesis is divided into seven chapters, which address: environmental awareness and sustainable development, sustainability, risk and principles of prevention, precautions, the concept of polluter-pays and information, En­vironmental Impact Assessment, and Integrated Environmental Assessment and Strategic Environmental Assessment, energy and hydropower in the Ma­deira River. For the research phase, the inductive approach was used, and for the data processing phase, the Cartesian method was used. The techniques were those of referent, category, operational concept, bibliographic research and file. The report ends by drawing some conclusions and consolidating the results of the research, confirming the initial hypothesis that Strategic Envi­ronmental Assessment in the State of Rondônia is essential for achieving sus­tainability.