/* Written 2:31 PM Oct 11, 1996 by irn in ax:env.dams */
SOS AVA' CANOEIRO!
URGENT FAXES NEEDED!
Dear Friends:
The Indigenist Missionary Council - CIMI and the Pro-Indian Commission of
Sao Paulo - CPI/SP request your help for the Ava'-Canoeiro indigenous
people whose lands in the remote headwaters of the Tocantins, one of the
major rivers of the Brazilian Amazon, will be flooded by the Serra da Mesa
hydroelectric project. The dam is located in the states of Goia's and
Tocantins.
The electric utility responsible for the construction of the dam, FURNAS,
had planned to close the floodgates on the Tocantins River on October 1st,
without obtaining the necessary authorization of the Brazilian Congress.
The Brazilian Constitution requires that water projects affecting
indigenous lands must be authorized by the Congress, following
consultation with the indigenous communities.
On September 28, Federal Judge Marcelo Dolzany da Costa, of Tocantins
state, invoked a court order suspending the closing of the floodgates of
Serra da Mesa dam.
The court order points to irregularities in the Environmental Impact
Statement (RIMA) and the lack of Congressional authorization for the
project. FURNAS has petitioned the judge to reverse his decision.
Therefore, we ask you to SEND A FAX TO THE JUDGE ASKING HIM TO MAINTAIN
THE COURT ORDER UNTIL THE BRAZILIAN CONGRESS AUTHORIZES THE OPERATION OF
THE DAM AND UNTIL AN ADEQUATE PROGRAM FOR MITIGATING THE ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACTS OF THE DAM IS PRESENTED.
Please send your fax to:
Exmo. Sr. Dr. Marcelo Dolzani da Costa
Juiz Federal da 1a. Vara
Secao Judiciaria Federal no Tocantins
Fax: +55-63-215-1127
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For more information:
CIMI: cimi@ax.apc.org
International Rivers Network: glen@nutecnet.com.br
(CPI/SP is not accessible via email: their tel is +55-11-864-1180)