Environmental and Democratic Participation: An Essay on Dam-Affected Communities in Southern Brazil

This study explores the democratic participation of social movements in the Uruguay River Basin, with a specific focus on the Movement of Dam-Affected People (MAB). The research investigates the intersection of social movements, democratization, and water resource management, emphasizing the importance of citizen participation in decision-making processes and the defense of the rights of those affected by public policies. The objective is to analyze how the MAB promotes democracy and social justice by resisting the power dynamics of large projects and neoliberal policies in the Uruguay River Basin. This study employs a qualitative and interpretative methodology, based on an extensive literature and document review, supplemented by participant observation. Semi-structured interviews and document analysis are also utilized for data collection and thematic interpretation, aiming to understand distinct ideas, objects, and people within their specific contexts. The study concludes that democratic participation and the mobilization of social movements are fundamental to the effectiveness of public policies and the promotion of a more just and equitable society. MAB, in particular, exemplifies the struggle for rights and resistance against neoliberal policies, highlighting the importance of solidarity and collective action.