It was stopped in court by the "greens" but Mr da silva had it over turned the next day, there still
yet to find a buyer as it it is alot of money that is aside to supposably compensate the environment (most probably to end up in Mr da silva's pocket). Sting made an environmental stand for the Brazillians once before, but as far as im aware has no plans to do so this time. Wind power would take less space and be environmentally satisfying, produce power year round (unlike the Belo Monte which will not produce power during low water seasons) and be far more cost effective. Unfortunately the country is in debt and requires the large sale in order to lift some of this, having nothing to do with the 6% growth per year. I have good friends in Brazil who have tried with no luck to protest this development, and the public of south america (not just brazil) would like to see the project canned. The president and the brazillian environmental body will not hear any proposed alternative. The environmental body of Brazil has split and had many resignations over the Belo Monte, seeming many wouldn't succumb to bribery and the meer
un-intelligent president.