Environmental Impacts of Hydroelectric Construction: Comparative Analysis of Ada Kaleh and Belo Monte

Abstract

The construction industry plays a central role in national development, yet it remains a major contributor to global environmental degradation. This study addresses the critical issue of sustainability in large-scale hydroelectric construction by examining two emblematic cases: Ada Kaleh (Romania) and Belo Monte (Brazil). Using a qualitative, document-based methodology, the research analyzes the socio-environmental consequences of these projects, including habitat destruction, community displacement, and cultural loss. The findings reveal that both developments, despite differing in scale and context, resulted in similar patterns of irreversible ecological damage and inadequate mitigation efforts. The study concludes that more integrative planning, participatory governance, and sustainability-oriented strategies are essential to balancing infrastructure development with environmental and cultural preservation.