Promoting the integration of Engineering, Ecology and Limnology: the Ecohydrological approach applied to Amazon reservoir construction

Abstract

Amazon watersheds are a complex ecosystem: the interaction between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and the water level fluctuations are the main forcing function that regulates the biodiversity, the evolutionary processes and the interaction between terrestrial and aquatic biota in the large internal deltas, the extensive floodplains regions and the network of channels, creeks, rivers, meanders and lakes. In order to preserve the main ecological functions of the Amazonian ecosystems it is necessary to introduce ecohydrological concepts combined with engineering procedures in the construction of the Amazonian reservoirs. The integration of structure and function in the planning of future Amazonian reservoirs is essential for the maintenance of the ecological dynamics of the region. The Belo Monte Power Plant Unit is an example of a consistent effort to integrate structure and function in a large scale intervention promoting an evolution in the approach to manage reservoirs in a complex ecosystem, such as the Amazon and Xingu River watersheds.