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Ibama Approves Petrobras Plan in Equatorial Margin and Alcolumbre Highlights Progress for Amapá.
The President of the Senate, Davi Alcolumbre (União-AP), celebrated this Monday (19) the decision by Ibama that authorizes a new phase of the environmental licensing process for Petrobras in the Equatorial Margin, more precisely in the Amazon River Delta Basin, in Amapá state.
This measure represents a significant step toward future oil exploration in the region, still in the technical study phase.
“Although the licensing process for drilling is still ongoing, the technical progress approved today reinforces the seriousness of the project and the commitment to strict environmental criteria,” the senator stated in an official note.
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Petrobras is expected to complete the drilling of the Morpho well in the Foz do Amazonas in August 2026, the first well in the Equatorial Margin, an oil frontier that the ANP estimates at more than 30 billion barrels and could redraw the map of Brazil.
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Environmental Approval Advances, but Drilling is Not Yet Authorized
The Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama) has given the green light to Petrobras’ plan to conduct environmental and operational research, focusing on preventing impacts on marine fauna.
The approved project addresses the Plan for the Protection and Care of Oil-Soaked Fauna (PPAF), a document detailing strategies for responding to oil spill accidents.
Despite the approval, the permit does not yet authorize the drilling of oil wells. The plan was accepted only in its conceptual and methodological structure and will now undergo practical testing.
To proceed with the licensing, a Pre-Operational Assessment (APO) will be necessary. This phase involves field inspections and environmental emergency simulations.
Ibama and Petrobras will jointly develop a schedule to verify if the proposed plan is viable in practice, especially the Individual Emergency Plan, responsible for rapidly responding to potential incidents.
Equatorial Margin is Seen as an Opportunity for Regional Development
Born in Amapá, Davi Alcolumbre personally monitors the progress of the process and has defended the strategic potential of the Equatorial Margin to promote economic growth in the North region.
“The Equatorial Margin represents a strategic opportunity to reduce historical inequalities,” the senator emphasized.
He also highlighted that the project, besides bringing development, maintains the commitment to sustainability: “This approval reinforces confidence in institutions and in the commitment to a safe, developed, and sustainable future.”
Development with Environmental Responsibility
The expectation is that, with the rigorous fulfillment of technical and environmental requirements, Petrobras can advance toward the safe and responsible exploration of oil in the Equatorial Margin.
The project is closely monitored by environmental agencies, political authorities, and civil society, given the ecological sensitivity of the region and its socioeconomic relevance.
Source: CNN
