THE SOCIOENVIRONMENTAL PERCEPTION OF THE ONES AFFECTED BY THE HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS ALONG THE ARAGUARI RIVER/AP, EASTERN AMAZON

Abstract The establishment of a hydroelectric power plant commonly involves conflict between the local traditional people and the hydroelectric enterprises. The research aims to analyse the perceptions of residents of the municipality of Ferreira Gomes about the social and economic impacts of three hydroelectric dams (Coaracy Nunes, Ferreira Gomes and Cachoeira Caldeirão) installed on the Araguari River, Amapá. The data was obtained through submitting the locals to a semi-structured form, whose sample was calculated utilizing the “Central Limit Theorem’, which later was charted and analysed. The research has shown that the dams established new social and economic dynamics in the affected populace’s daily life, mostly negative ones, which hit directly and indirectly the quality of life, health, income, cost of living and security of the local people.