A new four-lane highway cutting through tens of thousands of acres of protected Amazon rainforest is being built in preparation for the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil.
While the state government promotes the project as a “sustainable” infrastructure improvement, conservationists and locals are shocked by its environmental and social consequences.
The road, stretching over 13 kilometres, has already led to deforestation, with concerns that it will further fragment the ecosystem, disrupt wildlife movement, and open the area to further exploitation.
Scientists also warn that the highway will make it harder to rehabilitate and reintroduce injured wildlife into their natural habitat.
The Brazilian government is investing heavily in infrastructure for COP30, including airport expansions, hotel developments, and a large city park, aiming to modernize Belém and leave a lasting legacy.
While business owners in the city welcome the economic opportunities, critics argue that the very event meant to highlight Amazon conservation is contributing to its destruction.
The state government insists that the highway includes sustainability measures such as wildlife crossings and bike lanes, but many feel that the voices of those living in the Amazon are being ignored.
Image credit: Vlad Hilitanu
