Relationship with affected communities: one of the greatest challenges of the enterprises

One of the most sensitive aspects of any activity, is the relationship with communities located in regions where projects will be installed. It is essential to guarantee diversified connections, through close dialogue to create a transparent and trusting relationship between stakeholders and the entrepreneur.

Tractebel has extensive experience in conducting environmental licensing processes, including preparing studies, implementing programs, monitoring and managing the process with the licensing bodies. We contribute to the development and treatment of the numerous themes that make up an environmental license. The highlight for the latest works provided is the conduction of themes such as indigenous communities, descendants of quilombolas and riverside communities.

The interface and management with the intervening bodies (FUNAI, PALMARES Foundation), as well as the elaboration of the Impact Assessment Study and the implementation of programs, are main aspects developed. Certainly the theme is challenging because it deals with communities with different ways of life and that generally see the enterprises from two perspectives: as an opportunity to be heard or as a threat to the survival of their traditions. In either perspective, there is always a great deal of expectation, which takes on greater proportions due to the complexity of the analyzes and responses of Organs representative bodies (intervening bodies). Thus, the great challenges for conducting the studies and obtaining the consent in the environmental licensing process are the expectations involved, the time of the process, the interface with agencies and the dealings with the communities.

As an example, we highlight the projects:

• The Quilombola Component Study (ECQ) and the workshops (hearings) to legitimize the participatory process of a Remnant Quilombola Community, made for the implementation of a Transmission Line and associated Substation located in the state of Santa Catarina;
• Elaboration of studies and extensive negotiation with indigenous leaders, in a process of viability and implementation of a Transmission Line and associated Substation, which already presented a major environmental licensing challenge as it consists of three sections - aerial, underwater (submerged cables) ) and underground - located between the municipalities of Biguaçu and Florianópolis, in Santa Catarina;
• The Local Development Plan with the Riverside Affected Community of Volta Grande do Xingu, in Pará, in the context of the operation of a Hydroelectric Plant (UHE).

The common point between the three projects is the treatment based on respect for cultures, the way of life of each community and the environment, seeking to create a positive legacy for these populations, through participatory actions through the eight, technical monitoring and committed to all the importance of the theme and a clear approach to all parts of the cause-effect balance (impact and measure).