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Marina Silva Guaranteed That the Creation of the Conservation Unit in the Equatorial Margin Will Not Prevent Oil Exploration, Provided There Is Licensing. The Measure Integrates an Environmental Strategy That Balances Preservation and Development in the Region.
The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Marina Silva, stated this Tuesday (27), in a hearing at the Senate, that the creation of a marine conservation unit in the Equatorial Margin, in Amapá, will not be an obstacle to enterprises such as ports, pipelines, and even the exploration of oil in the region. The protected area, which is expected to cover 35 million hectares, sparked heated debates among lawmakers and representatives from the energy sector.
Oil Exploration Will Be Allowed with Licensing
During the Infrastructure Committee session, Marina was categorical in explaining that the process of creating the new conservation unit already foresees the viability of infrastructure and energy exploration projects, provided they are submitted to the required environmental licensing.
“In the process of creating [the conservation unit of the Equatorial Margin], it is already established that pipelines, gas pipelines, ports, whatever needs to be done, is already stated in the process that this will not be prohibitive. It’s as if it is already saying ‘you can do it’, as long as the licensing is done, obviously,” said the minister.
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The statement was a direct response to concerns raised by senators, especially by Lucas Barreto (PSD-AP), who called the hearing in search of clarifications regarding the possible impacts of the measure on the economic development of the state of Amapá.
Protected Area Is Part of Long-Term Environmental Planning
Marina highlighted that the creation of the conservation unit in the Equatorial Margin did not arise suddenly.
According to her, it is a technical and strategic process that has been developed since 2005 and has undergone various public hearings over the years.
“I imagine that after checking the distance from the blocks, after verifying that it will not hinder the ports, will not hinder the pipeline, I imagine that we all will leave here hand in hand to let the public hearing happen and create the reserve”, Marina concluded, seeking consensus with the lawmakers present.
The proposal for the unit is inserted into a national policy aimed at marine and coastal conservation, which also fulfills international commitments made by Brazil for biodiversity protection.
Exploration of the Equatorial Margin: Ibama Acts Based on the Law, Without Favoring or Hindering Projects
Another point raised by the minister was the role of Ibama in the environmental licensing process of the Equatorial Margin.
Marina denied that the environmental agency is creating barriers to Petrobras or other companies interested in oil exploration in the region.
“What we are doing here is not making it difficult just to make it difficult. Ibama does not facilitate, Ibama does not hinder, it complies with the law and tries to do it in the best way possible,” she said, reinforcing the technical and legal commitment of the institution.
Senate Approves Change in the Law to Accelerate Strategic Environmental Licenses
In the same week that the topic arose, the Senate approved a proposal to amend the Environmental Licensing Law, which includes the creation of the so-called Special Environmental License (LAE).
The measure was orchestrated by the House president, Davi Alcolumbre (União-AP), and aims to facilitate the processing of projects considered strategic, such as drilling oil blocks at the mouth of the Amazon River.
The change, however, raises concerns among environmental organizations such as the Climate Observatory, which warn of the risk of political interference in the technical approval criteria.
For the group, the new license may open space for economic pressures at the expense of rigorous environmental analysis.
Petrobras Receives Green Light to Start Studies in the Equatorial Margin
Alongside the legislative discussions, Ibama recently authorized Petrobras’ plan to conduct studies in the Equatorial Margin — an initial step for future oil exploration.
The advancement was celebrated by Alcolumbre.
“Although the licensing process for drilling is still underway, the technical advancement approved today reinforces the seriousness of the project and the commitment to rigorous environmental criteria,” stated the senator, in an official note.
Development and the Environment Can Go Hand in Hand, Ministry Advocates
Despite the tensions between environmentalists and economic sectors, Marina Silva advocates that it is possible to align environmental preservation with energy development.
The creation of the conservation unit in the Equatorial Margin is seen as an opportunity to protect sensitive ecosystems without hindering strategic projects for the country.
The minister’s speech, conciliatory and firm, reflects the federal government’s efforts to balance sustainability and economic progress in one of the most promising — and challenging — regions of Brazil.
Source: CNN
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