In the last twenty years, multiple large and small hydroelectric dams have begun to transform the Amazonian region, spawning a growing volume of academic research across diverse disciplinary and interdisciplinary fields. In this article, we offer a critical review of recent research related to hydropower and sustainability with a focus on the Brazilian Amazon. We revisit the
sustainability concept to include the contribution of various knowledge fields and perspectives for understanding, managing and making decisions about social-ecological systems
transformed by dams. We conducted a literature review in Web of Science of academic publications centered in the past 5 years (2014–2019), on diverse aspects of hydropower planning, construction, operation and monitoring in the Brazilian Amazon. We present results of a co-occurrence network analysis of publications, highlighting bridging fields, network
disconnections, and opportunities for interdisciplinary research. Finally, we report recent advances in the understanding and management of social-ecological systems in Amazonian
watersheds, including biophysical, socio-economic, governance and development processes linked to hydropower planning and implementation. This review identifies knowledge gaps and
future research directions, highlighting opportunities for improved communication among scientists, practitioners, decision-makers, indigenous peoples and local communities.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2019 |
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Title | Mapping research on hydropower and sustainability in the Brazilian Amazon: Advances, gaps in knowledge and future directions |
DOI | 10.1016/j.cosust.2019.06.004 |
Authors | Simone Athayde, Mason Matthews, Stephanie Bohlman, Walterlina Brasil, Carolina RC Doria, Jynessa Dutka-Gianelli, Philip M. Fearnside, Bette Loiselle, Elineide E Marques, Theodore Melis, Brent Millikan, Evandro M. Moretto, Anthony Oliver-Smith, Amintas Rossete, Raffaele Vacca, David Kaplan |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability |
Index ID | 70205003 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Southwest Biological Science Center |