Brazil Keeps Amazon Waterway Concession Studies Moving After Decree Revoked

Overview

• The government revoked on Feb. 23 the decree that would have advanced studies to include stretches of the Tapajós, Madeira and Tocantins rivers in the privatization program.
• Minister Silvio Costa Filho said the decision does not halt the Secretariat of Waterways, with five studies underway, including two at BNDES and three at Infra S.A.
• Officials plan to hold public consultations and expand dialogue with indigenous peoples, social movements and the productive sector before any next steps.
• Authorities linked the revocation to escalating demonstrations by indigenous groups, including a month‑long occupation of Cargill’s office in Santarém and protests in São Paulo and Brasília.
• Costa Filho said the ministry still intends to auction the Santos container terminal Tecon 10 and the Port of São Sebastião this year, with timelines yet to be set.