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Ibama does not rule out the possibility that the state-owned company will have to carry out new studies and research on its future campaign in the region. Petrobras is preparing for heavy investments in the exploration of oil and natural gas in Foz do Amazonas.
The exploration of the Foz do Amazonas region, which extends to the limits of French Guiana, along the coast of the states of Amapá and Pará, is increasingly distant. Ibama pointed out that Petrobras may have to carry out new studies on the viability of your campaign of oil and gas in the region before proceeding with the project. The initiative has been the target of criticism from environmentalists across the country.
See: Oil exploration at Foz do Amazonas divides opinions
Due to the environmental risks present in the initiative, Ibama predicts possible new studies by Petrobras for the exploration campaign at Foz do Amazonas
Ibama, the Brazilian environmental agency, recently admitted that it may be necessary to require a new study before granting an oil exploration license in the Foz do Amazonas area.
The region has been the target of a series of disputes between oil companies and environmentalists, due to the interest in oil exploration in the area, including Petrobras.
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Thus, the agency is studying the need for new assessments of the state-owned company to guarantee the region's environmental safety and minimize the impacts caused by oil activity.
The region of Foz do Amazonas is considered one of the most important areas and sensitive parts of the planet, with a unique and vulnerable biodiversity.
The final decision on the need for further studies has not yet been taken, but the environmental agency is committed to taking the necessary measures to protect the environment and ensure the safety of the local population.
“We are not just talking about an oil well, we are talking about opening up an entire region of Brazil for oil exploration. Obviously, the Strategic Environmental Assessment is a real possibility and is being analyzed right now”, said the president of Ibama, Rodrigo Agostinho.
Thus, the body will carefully evaluate all studies and technical opinions submitted by companies interested in oil exploration in the region, mainly Petrobras.
Exploration campaign by Petrobras and other oil companies in Foz do Amazonas may have to wait for further discussions by Ibama
The oil companies had already presented studies and technical opinions to obtain the environmental license needed for oil exploration at Foz do Amazonas.
However, the assessments were criticized by environmentalists, who questioned the quality and reliability of the submitted studies.
Oil exploration in the Foz do Amazonas region is considered a major technical and environmental challenge, due to the geological complexity of the area and the amount of fauna and flora that can be affected by oil activity.
Given this scenario, Ibama has the important responsibility of assessing and granting environmental licenses in a careful and responsible manner, considering environmental safety and the protection of the region's biodiversity.
Minister Marina Silva herself defended new studies for the work of Petrobras and other companies in the area.
“[The exploration of Foz do Amazonas] is highly impactful, and we have instruments to deal with highly impactful projects, which is the instrument of integrated environmental assessment, of strategic environmental assessment”, he said.
For the coming weeks, Petrobras and the other Brazilian oil companies are awaiting updates on oil and gas exploration at Foz do Amazonas.
