According to this Spanish-language article, ecotourism efforts in Madidi National Park and Pilon Lajas, and the sustainable way of life of more than 5,000 indigenous Bolivians, are threatened by the planned mega-dams. “The indigenous people involved in ecotourism are among the first to be alerted by the hydroelectric project, a mega-work whose cost is estimated at almost 7.1 billion euros in various previous study documents prepared by Italian company Geodata at the request of the state energy company ENDE . The project, whose works would begin in 2018, foresees the construction of two dams that would flood 661.9 square kilometers, an extension somewhat larger than the entire municipality of Madrid. Among those directly affected - those who live in areas that are expected to flood - and indirectly - those who inhabit areas adjacent to the reservoirs - the construction of both dams would imply the forced displacement of more than 5,000 people. The second reservoir - created by a dam a couple of kilometers downstream of the narrow del Bala - would flood the community of San Miguel, according to its environmental record, without knowing the plans to relocate its 251 inhabitants registered in 2012.”
The hydroelectric dam that threatens 5,000 indígenous Bolivians