The construction of large hydroelectric projects in Brazil since the last quarter of the 20th century is directly related to its industrialisation process, which was impacted by the oil crisis of the 1970s, when the government decided to invest in other alternative energy sources, including the construction of large hydroelectric plants in practically all Brazilian regions. In an effort to favour the economic activities of the primary and secondary sectors of the economy, the Estreito hydroelectric plant, located between the states of Tocantins and Maranhão, was built between 2007 and 2010. The construction of this hydroelectric project was accompanied by a long and cunning process of deterritorialisation of fishermen, boatmen, extractivists, barraqueiros, farmers, vazanteiros, among others who, over several decades, had built their way of life on a close relationship with the Tocantins River.