Threats to the Amazon

Highway construction receives criticism: Catalyst for deforestation

The Brazilian government's plans to upgrade and pave the BR-319 highway through the Amazon have met with harsh criticism from environmental movements, writes Oglobo. Among other things, the climate network Climate Observatory says that the road risks becoming a catalyst for deforestation.

Several researchers and experts point out that most of the deforestation in the Amazon is taking place along the largest roads.

A large railway construction project that the government has given the go-ahead for is also facing the same criticism.

President Lula da Silva has defended the construction plans and promised that great consideration will be given to the rainforest.

Brazil upgrades dilapidated highway through the Amazon

Brazil will invest the equivalent of $75 million in the BR-319 highway that cuts right through the Amazon, reports Deutsche Welle. The highway opened in 1976 but has since been partially abandoned because it is very complicated to maintain.

The remains of the road are today the only land connection with the large city of Manaus in the Amazon and the rest of the country. The road is currently mostly unpaved.

In connection with the decision being presented, Prime Minister Lula da Silva said that great consideration will be taken to protect the rainforest and that from an environmental point of view the road will be the most modern in the world.

However, several environmental organizations have previously been very skeptical and have tried to stop the construction plans in court.