ANÁLISE SOCIOAMBIENTAL DO PROCESSO DE IMPLANTAÇÃO/OPERAÇÃO DE USINAS EÓLICAS NA RESERVA DE DESENVOLVIMENTO SUSTENTÁVEL ESTADUAL PONTA DO TUBARÃO, MACAU/GUAMARÉ, RIO GRANDE DO NORTE – BRASIL

Abstract

Wind farms are being installed quickly and continue in Northeast Brazil, mainly on the coast due to better wind quality. Many socioenvironmental impacts have been reported in the scientific literature, with emphasis on the installation of these projects in protected areas. This research sought to understand the installation / operation process of three wind farms in a Sustainable Development Reserve (RDS) located on the coast of Rio Grande do Norte. The methodology consisted of collecting data from official documents and recording management board meetings, interviews with local actors and participating research in an integrated seminar of traditional communities on the socio-environmental impacts of the parks. It was found that the process of environmental licensing of the three wind farms occurred without there being a favorable discussion and deliberation by the RDS management council. The ventures have caused environmental impacts and socio-environmental conflicts, affecting the environment and traditional ways of life. It was concluded that in RDSEPT, even with strong local governance, the mechanisms of discussion and deliberation were not respected when the entry of wind farms and the socio-environmental impacts were expanded under the tutelage of the licensing agency and manager of conservation units.