Programs directed at sustainable development 

Socio-environmental responsibility is one of the directives that serve to guide all the decisions and activities of CESTE and is expressed in the undertaking’s operational activities. In all phases of the project for implementing the power station in addition to complying with Brazil’s current environmental legislation, the Consortium had as its main priority the preparation of social and environmental programs and actions aimed at minimizing the undertaking’s interference and also at helping to promote the sustainable development of those municipalities that are located close to the Estreito hydroelectric power station.

The programs introduced were based on criteria like environmental preservation, the application of natural resources, valuing knowledge of the regional culture and promoting social and environmental sustainability. They include actions in the area of environmental monitoring and management, managing water resources, cataloguing and conserving fauna and flora, environmental education, support for commercial activities and services, encouraging local production activities, tourism, handicrafts, culture, urbanization and public security.

The reservoir of the Estreito hydroelectric power station covers an area of 555 km2 and has a maximum flooded depth of 156 meters. Of the total area of the reservoir 155 km2 correspond to the natural bed of the river, while the flooded area will be approximately 400 km2. The power station’s reservoir will partially cover areas in 12 municipalities: Estreito and Carolina, in Maranhão State and Aguiarnópolis, Babaçulândia, Barra do Ouro, Darcinópolis, Filadélfia, Goiatins, Itapiratins, Palmeirante, Palmeiras do Tocantins and Tupiratins, in Tocantins State.