Predictions: Research suggests BR-319 could have impacts in an area larger than the UK

The corridor of the BR-319, the only road connecting Manas to Puerto Velho and the rest of the country, has the potential to create impacts on about 300 thousand km² of the Amazon, an area larger than the United Kingdom or the state of Sao Paulo. Paulo.

According to a study by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI), an independent research group affiliated with the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), this extensive region includes indigenous lands (TIs) and protected units. Amazon 2030 Project.

BR-319, built in the 1970s over 800 km², faces significant challenges due to lack of maintenance, resulting in impassable areas.

During the dry season, problems such as potholes and dust arise, while during the rainy season, burials are a challenge. Currently, only the areas near the capitals (Porto Velho and Manaus) are paved.

The CPI/PUC-Rio study highlights the importance of improving logistics infrastructure to reduce Amazonas isolation and facilitate the movement of people and goods between the legal Amazon and the rest of Brazil.

However, infrastructure projects in the region may have socio-ecological impacts that may not adequately benefit local populations, concentrating gains in agricultural production in low-income areas.

BR-319 was still erected in the 1970s – Photo: Side na Estrada

Impacts

According to researchers, the reconstruction of the highway could affect nine municipalities in the Amazonas, with more than 320 thousand people living in an area of ​​more than 300 thousand km². In the catchment area of ​​BR-319, there are 49 indigenous lands, 49 conservation units and 140 thousand km² of public forest.

Although the reconstruction of BR-319 has become an investment project in the Amazon region, the New Development Acceleration Program (PAC) announced by President Lula in August excluded the corridor of BR-319 due to the critical environmental sensitivity of the issue. Conditional on the guarantee of environmental sustainability.

Mobilization

In Rondônia, more than 190 federal representatives signed in support of the creation of a ‘Parliamentary Front on the Protection of Federal Highways’. The initiative aims to ensure adequate maintenance of the highway along its entire length, with a four-year timeframe established for the group’s operations.

Analysis of potential impacts is important for identifying risks, promoting discussion on mitigation measures, and conducting consultations with affected communities, including indigenous groups.

CPI researchers highlight proposals to improve the management of these projects, including measuring socio-ecological risks early in the project life cycle, establishing transparent mechanisms for calculating area of ​​influence, and developing a public geographic information system (GIS). ) to assess the impact of projects on national logistics planning.