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The MPF Recommended That Ibama Deny the License Requested by Petrobras for Oil Exploration in the Mouth of the Amazon. The Agency Pointed Out Flaws in the Process, Environmental Risks, and Social Impacts on the Fishing Communities in the Region.
The Federal Public Ministry (MPF) recommended that the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama) deny the environmental license for the drilling of oil in block FZA-M-59, in the Mouth of the Amazon, as reported this Monday, 29. The area is of interest to Petrobras, which is in the final stages of the licensing process.
The recommendation was sent after prosecutors identified technical inconsistencies and serious environmental risks. According to the MPF, the studies submitted by the state-owned company do not guarantee effective measures in the event of possible oil spills. Additionally, they point out that the impacts on fishing and traditional communities have been neglected.
Inconsistencies Pointed Out in the Licensing Process
According to the MPF, the licensing ignored indirect effects of exploration in the region. The biggest example is the Fishing Activity Compensation Plan (PCAP), which was limited only to areas directly overlapped by the drilled well. For the prosecutors, this restriction is inadequate, as conflicts extend along the support vessel routes.
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“The central flaw lies in the licensing criteria, which conditioned the requirement for the Fishing Activity Compensation Plan (PCAP) only to the direct overlap of the well area with fishing areas. The criterion is inadequate, as conflicts also occur along the support vessel routes, which overlap with the fishing grounds,” said the MPF.
As evidence, the federal agency highlighted an incident that occurred in August of this year. During a pre-operational simulation, a Petrobras vessel hit nets belonging to the Z-03 Fishermen’s Colony of Oiapoque, causing damage to the local community.
Four Points of Attention Required by the MPF
The MPF recommended that Ibama suspend the licensing process until the studies are corrected and expanded. To ensure greater safety and social justice, four measures were highlighted:
- Require the immediate development of a more comprehensive PCAP, covering the entire impacted fishing area.
- Ensure proportional compensations for the damages caused to the communities.
- Determine the revision of the Social Communication Plan (PCS) to ensure effective dialogue with the fishermen and other affected parties.
- Correct the criterion that initially excluded the PCAP, deemed flawed by the agency.
Ibama will have 48 hours to respond whether or not it accepts the recommendation.
Climate Commitments and International Discourse
The recommendation also relies on international commitments made by Brazil. The MPF cited President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s speech at the 80th UN General Assembly, where the head of state promised to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by between 59% and 67%.
For the prosecutors, granting a license without adequate studies in the Mouth of the Amazon “would be an action contrary to this commitment, undermining efforts for sustainable development.”
It is worth noting that Petrobras has been trying since 2020 to obtain authorization to operate in the region. Various requests have already been rejected by Ibama for lack of security guarantees in case of accidents. The Mouth of the Amazon is one of the most sensitive areas in the country, housing Conservation Units, Indigenous Lands, and mangroves.
Furthermore, the local biodiversity is considered unique. The region is home to endangered species such as the pink river dolphin, the gray river dolphin, the manatee, the Amazonian manatee, the yellow-spotted river turtle, the sperm whale, and the fin whale.
Despite previous denials, last week Ibama authorized Petrobras to conduct simulation exercises. However, it required enhancements to the emergency plan, particularly regarding the rescue of marine animals. After adjustments, the company will need to undergo a new simulation before any license is granted.
Socio-Environmental Sensitivity of the Mouth of the Amazon
The controversy over exploration in the region goes beyond technical safety. The Mouth of the Amazon is viewed by experts as an ecosystem of extreme global relevance. In addition to serving as sustenance for fishing communities, the area is a natural nursery for marine species and a strategic point for environmental balance.
Thus, the MPF’s recommendation increases political and social pressure on Ibama. If the agency follows the guidance, Petrobras will have to reconsider its strategy for block FZA-M-59, while the demand for energy alternatives aligned with environmental preservation and Brazil’s commitment to combating climate change increases.
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