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Official Decision Cancels Inclusion of Amazon Rivers in the National Privatization Program and Addresses Indigenous Peoples’ Demands After Mobilization in Pará
A significant socio-environmental administrative decision was announced by the federal government after weeks of mobilization in the Amazon. The decree that authorized the privatization of the Tapajós, Madeira, and Tocantins rivers and included strategic stretches in the National Privatization Program (PND) has been revoked.
As a result, the activities of dredging planned to expand the Amazon waterway have been suspended. The measure is pending publication in the Official Gazette of the Union (DOU) for definitive formalization.
Indigenous Mobilization Alters Infrastructure Policy
The change occurred after 33 days of protests, which began on January 22 in Santarém, Pará. Indigenous peoples from the Lower Tapajós organized public actions, blockades, and occupations as a form of institutional pressure.
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During this period, the port terminal and the office of the multinational Cargill, a grain exporter, were occupied. The leaders denounced socio-environmental impacts and the absence of prior, free, and informed consent, as required by Convention 169 of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
According to Minister Sônia Guajajara, the negotiations led by the Office of the Presidency considered the humanitarian situation of those camped. Women and children remained at the site in precarious conditions during the mobilization.
Additionally, the demarcation of indigenous lands in the region was demanded. As Minister Guilherme Boulos stated, the revocation occurred after a direct meeting with representatives of the affected peoples.
Public Actions Increase Social Pressure
On Thursday, February 19, approximately 400 protesters used four boats to intercept a bulk carrier in the urban stretch of the Tapajós river. The action was part of a series of protests against the logistics system linked to BR-163.
This corridor is strategic for the shipment of soy from Mato Grosso to the Amazon river. The following day, February 20, supporters held a protest in front of Cargill’s office in São Paulo.
According to leader Alessandra Munduruku, the goal was to prevent the river from becoming solely a commodities route. The central concern involves the livelihood of riverine populations.
Meanwhile, Auricélia Arapiun stated that the movement occurs “for our lives and for the future of the Amazon.” The statements reinforced the defense of traditional territories in the face of large logistical projects.
Organizations Monitor Officialization in the DOU
The Tapajós and Arapiuns Indigenous Council, representing 14 peoples from the region, celebrated the revocation of the decree. In a public statement, they highlighted that “our rivers are not a commodity, they are life, culture, and future”.
The Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network (Repam-Brasil) stated that the suspension reaffirms the need for infrastructure policies to respect constitutional rights. The entity also advocated for ongoing institutional dialogue.
According to Repam-Brasil, the government announced the creation of an Interministerial Working Group to guide dialogue processes. The objective is to analyze demands for demarcation in the Tapajós basin region.
Meanwhile, the Coordination of Indigenous Organizations of the Brazilian Amazon (Coiab) reported that it is closely monitoring the official publication in the Official Gazette of the Union. Although the revocation has been confirmed, the leaders maintained the mobilization until formal guarantees are presented.
In light of this scenario, the debate on logistical infrastructure, commodities exports, and protection of traditional territories returns to the center of discussions in the Amazon.
After all, what should weigh more in public decisions: expanding export corridors or fully ensuring the territorial and socio-environmental rights of indigenous peoples?
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