Brazil Revokes Amazon Waterways Decree While Studies Continue

Overview

• The revoked measure had ordered studies to add stretches of the Tapajós, Madeira and Tocantins rivers to the National Privatization Program.
• Silvio Costa Filho said the Secretariat of Waterways remains at work with five studies underway, including two at BNDES and three at Infra S.A.
• Officials plan to hold public consultations and broaden dialogue with indigenous peoples, social movements, the wider public and the productive sector before any next steps.
• The minister said the decree was pulled over safety risks linked to intensified protests, citing a monthlong occupation at Cargill in Pará by 300–400 people near flammable warehouses.
• He characterized parts of the mobilization as very radicalized, argued such actions should not block Brazil’s development, and noted the decision reflected the government majority as demonstrations also reached São Paulo and Brasília.