Oil project proposed in the far north of Amapá generates expectations in the local economy, bringing jobs and boosting the hotel sector.
The municipality of Oiapoque, located 580 kilometers from the capital Macapá, is located close to the border with French Guiana. The region has a possible oil exploration point proposed by Petrobras, but to get there it is necessary to travel more than 100 kilometers along a dirt road that crosses indigenous villages. The proximity to the international border makes the region strategic for oil exploration.
Possible oil exploration in Oiapoque could bring millions of reais in royalties to the region. Furthermore, the municipality is already used to dealing with different currencies in circulation, such as the Brazilian real, the Guyanese euro and gold from mining sites. However, police authorities are concerned about illegal mining, which poses a challenge to the region's security.
Oil exploration on the frontier: challenges and opportunities
One of the oldest bases in the Brazilian army is located in far north of the country, in the city of Oiapoque, and carries out continuous operations against the French. In addition to illegal mining, other crimes such as international arms and ammunition trafficking are common in the region, as reported by Federal Police delegate, Jéssica Melo. She also mentions that there are many crimes related to sexual abuse and child pornography, as well as cases of corruption, such as the removal of the mayor on suspicion of financial embezzlement in bids recently. The oil exploration proposed by Petrobras has been seen as an opportunity to leverage the local economy and generate more empregos.
Oil in the Amazon: challenges and expectations
The Oiapoque region is preparing to receive investments resulting from oil exploration, envisioning a scenario of economic growth and development. Residents are hopeful that oil activity could boost the hotel sector, generate jobs and stimulate the local economy. Oscar Gislael, a local businessman, reports that his technology company has already expanded its team due to the demand from new ventures that emerged after the announcement of the oil exploration project in the region.
The social and economic challenges of oil exploration
Despite positive expectations regarding job creation and economic growth, the region faces challenges such as illegal migration, an increase in crimes related to sexual abuse and child pornography, as well as cases of corruption. A special series ‘Petróleo na Amazônia’, published by CNN, addresses these issues, highlighting the social and economic impacts of oil exploration, not only for indigenous villages and the local population, but also for tourist activity and royalties from oil extraction.
Source: CNN Brazil
