The BR-319 highway project has been a contentious issue for over two decades, with misinformation clouding the debate. However, recent developments have shifted public opinion in favor of the initiative, making it a political necessity for candidates to support it. The project aims to repave the BR-319 highway, connecting the central Amazon to the deforestation hotspot known as the AMACRO region.
The BR-319 highway, inaugurated in 1976, was abandoned in 1988 but has seen attempts at reconstruction since 2015. However, concerns have been raised about the potential consequences of reviving the highway. The fishbone effect, caused by illegal branches opening up along the highway, has already led to over 6,000 km of illegal extensions, exacerbating deforestation in the region.
The reconstruction of the BR-319 highway could have catastrophic consequences, including widespread deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and environmental degradation. It could also fuel illicit activities such as organized crime, illegal logging, mining, and encroachment on Indigenous lands. Furthermore, the risk of zoonotic leaps and the emergence of new pandemics could increase significantly.
Researchers have highlighted the critical role of flying rivers in climate regulation in the Amazon region. The potential collapse of these flying rivers due to deforestation along the BR-319 could lead to severe water shortages, impacting densely populated regions and various economic sectors. This could result in annual losses of up to $500 billion.
The ongoing fires and drought in the Amazon, exacerbated by climate change and human activities, pose a significant threat to the region. The reconstructed BR-319 highway could further intensify these challenges, leading to devastating environmental and health consequences. Increased deforestation along the highway has already contributed to a 400% increase in malaria cases in the region.
The expansion of industries like agribusiness, cattle farming, mining, and oil and gas exploration stands to benefit from the BR-319 project. However, the lack of proper governance and consultation with Indigenous communities has raised concerns about the project’s legality and potential impact on ecosystems and traditional communities.
In light of these issues, calls for the suspension of all licenses and tenders related to the BR-319 project have been made. It is essential to conduct consultations with all affected Indigenous communities and address the environmental harm already inflicted by the project. The future of the BR-319 highway remains uncertain, with stakeholders and policymakers facing the challenge of balancing economic development with environmental conservation.
