In Brazil, a showdown is intensifying over plans for a major hydroelectric dam in the Amazon rainforest. The $11 billion Belo Monte project was approved for construction earlier this year. If completed, it will be the world’s third largest hydroelectric dam. The Brazilian government says the dam will be a clean source for meeting Brazil’s energy needs. But opponents say it will devastate tens of thousands of indigenous Amazonian residents and threaten wildlife. At a protest in front of the Brazilian environment ministry Monday, indigenous activist Antonia Melo called for the project’s cancellation.

Antonia Melo: “This project is economically, socially and environmentally unfeasible. Therefore, we are asking for it to be canceled.”

The dam’s indigenous opponents have drawn international supporters, including the Hollywood film director James Cameron, whose film Avatar recently became the world’s all-time top-grossing movie. Cameron took part in Monday’s protest, saying the showdown over the dam mirrors the fictional struggle of the Na’avi to protect its homeland depicted in his film.