Around 60 volunteers using 20 boats removed 4.3 tonnes of waste from the Teles Pires hydropower reservoir in Mato Grosso, Brazil, during a cleanup operation on 1 November.
The initiative brought together AXIA Energia, the municipal government of Paranaíta, the Association of Sport Fishermen of Paranaíta (Apep), the Brazilian Navy and residents of surrounding communities.
Participants, mainly Apep members, departed from the association’s headquarters to collect discarded materials at different locations across the reservoir. The operation also aimed to encourage proper waste disposal among residents and reservoir users.
Paranaíta’s Department of Public Works and Infrastructure provided a truck to transport the collected waste, while the municipal environment department helped coordinate activities. The Brazilian Navy monitored the operation and supported safety and organisation on the water.
AXIA Energia participated through the Teles Pires plant’s Environmental Education Programme, part of the project’s socio-environmental activities.
“More than just removing debris from the reservoir, an action like this helps strengthen a permanent relationship of care for the river. By involving...