FOREST MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENT: ENVIRONMENTAL, LEGAL ASPECTS AND FINANCIAL IMPACTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SANTO ANTÔNIO PLANT – LARANJAL DO JARI – AMAPÁ

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the environmental, legal, and financial aspects related to forest management during the construction of the Santo Antônio Hydroelectric Power Plant (UHE) in Laranjal do Jari, Amapá. This is a narrative review based on the analysis of official documents (protocols of understanding with communities, environmental impact studies, and letters of consent from public agencies) and scientific literature published up to 2019. The methodology consisted of a documentary survey and bibliographic review, followed by a thematic analysis along three axes: (I) environmental impacts; (II) legal instruments; (III) financial repercussions. The results reveal that the project, while essential for regional energy security, involved the removal of native vegetation, altered water quality, risks to the biodiversity of the Paru State Forest, and population displacement. From a legal perspective, the community protocols, environmental licensing from IBAMA, and the approval of representative agencies such as FUNAI and the Palmares Cultural Foundation stand out. In the financial sphere, the costs of compensation, resettlement, and compensation programs stand out, contrasting with the expected economic returns from energy generation and strengthening the national energy matrix. The conclusion is that the Santo Antônio HPP case reflects the dilemmas between development and sustainability, highlighting the need to strengthen participatory governance policies, sustainable forest management, and socio-environmental justice in the Amazon.