Warning of possible oil spill: expected arrival on the coast, according to analyst

An environmental analyst at ICMBio fears that an oil slick could spread artifacts into the Atlantic Ocean, impacting biodiversity.

ICMBio's environmental analyst, Ricardo Pires, has extensive 20 years of experience in the Cabo Orange National Park, the closest point on land to the block that Petrobrás intends to explore in the Atlantic Ocean. During this time, he has closely observed the importance of protecting the region from possible oil spills that could harm the marine ecosystem.

In interview with CNN, he reported the work routine and how he saw, with his own eyes, the sea bringing artifacts to the coast, like fragments of a rocket and a sailing boat. Episodes that, for him, demonstrate the high chances of a possible oil spill reaching the coast, posing a significant threat to marine life and the sustainability of the area.

Interview with the environmental analyst

Read the interview with the environmental analyst below. A oil activity and potential leakage is one of the biggest concerns in Parque Nacional Cape Orange. With the presence of Rio Amazon and its sedimentation, the risk of oil spills is a critical issue that needs to be carefully considered.

Explain to us what Cabo Orange Park is.

Cabo Orange Park represents the northernmost part of Brazil's coast, where sedimentation from the Amazon River provides a fragile environment vulnerable to possible oil spills. The expansion of the coastline, the tidal range and the importance of biodiversity make these concerns even more significant.

How is a lama very soft, if you imagine a oil stain arriving here, with a tide of four meters, the tidal range here is four meters. Let's say it arrives, there is a leak, which is unlikely, but the possibility exists. If a spot arrives at high tide, it will come in, which is all flat, here it is flat, because it is formed by sedimentation.

And how much mangroves are there on this coast?

The mangrove here covers an extensive area within the park, extending as far as Maranhão. This environmental richness and its sensitivity make any oil activity a potential risk to biodiversity and the livelihoods of local communities that depend on natural resources.

You have the environmental, the human, social, economic impact.

The human and economic impact of an oil spill in this region would be devastating. In addition to families who directly depend on local fishing, biodiversity and unique ecosystems are also at risk of being irreversibly affected.

Do you believe that a leak there would reach the coast here?

Yes, there is evidence that previous leaks, such as a rocket and a sailing boat, demonstrated on this coast, highlighting the need for detailed studies and careful planning for emergency situations.

The routine of an environmental analyst in the National Park

The environmental analyst's routine is complex and varied, involving everything from administrative activities to field actions. With the recent expansion of the team and improved division of tasks, it is now possible to focus more effectively on monitoring and preventing possible oil spills in the region.

From maintaining vehicles and bases to fighting fires, the team must be prepared to deal with a wide range of situations, including possible oil spills.

Challenges of environmental preservation

The preservation of the Cabo Orange National Park ecosystem faces significant challenges, especially given the expansion of oil activity in the region. Care and attention to prevent leaks and minimize human and environmental impact are essential to the long-term sustainability of this unique area.

The special series Oil in the Amazon, published by CNN this week, highlights the urgency and importance of addressing these issues and seeking sustainable solutions to protect the environment and the communities that depend on it.

Source: CNN Brazil