{"id":455,"date":"2026-04-03T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/golliza.com\/?p=455"},"modified":"2026-04-03T11:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T11:00:00","slug":"if-they-pollute-our-rivers-what-will-become-of-us-a-town-divided-between-hope-and-fear-in-brazils-amazon-oil-rush","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/golliza.com\/?p=455","title":{"rendered":"‘If they pollute our rivers, what will become of us?’: A town divided between hope and fear in Brazil’s Amazon oil rush"},"content":{"rendered":"

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C<\/span>The city of Oiapoque, in the state of Amap\u00e1, is located in a densely forested area larger than Wales and is an isolated but famous region in Brazil thanks to its national proverb. “From Oiapoke to Chui” focuses on the northernmost and southernmost parts of the country, respectively, to illustrate its vastness.<\/p>\n

Although it is well known, it is a remote area with a population of approximately 30,000 people and less than 2% of homes have adequate sewage treatment. One-third of the population is indigenous from four ethnic groups, living in 68 settlements across three indigenous lands, of which 66 have less than 12 hours of electricity per day.<\/p>\n

But while there are now hopes for significant developments, they are also accompanied by great fears.<\/p>\n

Oiapoque, on the northern tip of Brazil’s coastline, has been transformed into an operational base for ultra-deep-sea Atlantic drilling by state-run company Petrobras in what could become Brazil’s new energy frontier.<\/p>\n

<\/svg><\/span>The small city of Oiapoke is changing as people are drawn to its potential for oil production, which could begin as early as 2032.<\/span> Photo: Clavel Araujo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Spanning four other countries, Brazil’s equatorial rim stretches 2,200 km (1,370 miles) along the coasts of six states and includes 19 “blocks” in the Amazon River estuary, exploration rights for which have been acquired by multiple companies. Petrobras holds a 100% stake in six blocks and has begun research on the first block.<\/p>\n

In the midst of climate change and the energy crisis, many see it as a contradiction for Brazil to aim to become the world’s fifth largest oil producer by 2030 while positioning itself as a global leader in the energy transition.<\/p>\n

Oil has already been Brazil’s main export for the second year in a row, surpassing soybeans.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe world economy is organized around fossil fuels, so this contradiction exists for any country that is serious about transitioning away from fossil fuels,\u201d says Miriam Garc\u00eda, senior climate policy manager at the World Resources Institute (WRI) in Brazil. \u201cWe still need to increase energy efficiency and eliminate energy poverty by providing universal access to affordable renewable energy.\u201d<\/p>\n

The first block that Petrobras began prospecting on October 20, 2025 was FZA-M-59, which was previously under the control of BP. Building safety structures at Oiapoke, 175 km (110 miles) away, was one of the requirements set by the federal environmental regulator, Ibama, for granting research permits.<\/p>\n

<\/svg><\/span>Exploratory drilling at the Morfo well, part of the FZA-M-59 block in the Foz do Amazonas Basin.<\/span> Photo: Provided by Petrobras<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“It’s like a fire extinguisher. It has to be nearby,” says Rodrigo Agostinho, president of Ibama. \u201cThe risk of an accident does not only concern Petrobras, as there is already very active oil activity nearby.\u201d<\/p>\n

The fears of conservationists and environmental officials were borne out when the first accident occurred on January 4, 76 days after drilling began. Petrobras reported a leak of 113 barrels (18 cubic meters) of drilling fluid.<\/p>\n

According to the company, “The liquid meets acceptable toxicity limits, is biodegradable and poses no harm to the environment or human health.” However, Mr Ihama expressed “serious concerns” and fined the company 2.5 million Brazilian reals (\u00a3360,000).<\/p>\n

The chemical contains enough toxic substances to affect the basic functions of marine animals until the chemical is completely broken down, according to a now-sealed technical report. Other important microorganisms may have been eliminated in the affected areas, changing the dynamics of the food chain.<\/p>\n

Petrobras was given permission by the National Petroleum Agency (ANP) to suspend operations for more than 30 days and resume operations after reporting the cause, replacing all sealing elements and training the workers involved.<\/p>\n

Oiapoke has a divided population. If the potential for equatorial margins is confirmed, production would begin between 2032 and 2035. The prospect is expected to attract new residents interested in developing safety infrastructure and improving air transport, with a projected 60% increase in Amap\u00e1’s GDP and 54,000 direct and indirect jobs.<\/p>\n

<\/svg><\/span>Foz do Amazonas Basin. It is home to 19 of the areas designated for oil exploration.<\/span> Photo: Enrico Marrone\/Greenpeace<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Petrobras says it prioritizes local labor, similar to its Uruk sector, and that the majority of its workforce is made up of people from the Amazon region.<\/p>\n

So far, this prospect seems realistic. A rescue exercise conducted in August generated BRL 50 million. <\/strong>The share of economic activity in goods and services represents 10% of Oiapoke’s GDP. Food and rent prices rose. 800 students are waiting for vacancies in city schools. Formal temporary buildings are being constructed in seven new districts in deforested areas.<\/p>\n

<\/svg><\/span>Mr. Ejimilson dos Santos Oliveira of the Oiapoque First Nations Council of Chiefs.<\/span> Photo: Handout<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

But the city’s history of political instability and repeated corruption scandals threaten its development. The mayor and vice mayor had their mandates revoked due to vote-buying, and a special election was scheduled for April 12.<\/p>\n

Environmental impacts are also beginning to occur. “Initially, there were daily low-altitude flights by planes and helicopters. The birds would fly far away and no one would know where they were,” said Edmilson dos Santos Oliveira, general coordinator of the Oiapoke Indigenous Council of Chiefs. \u201cWe have survived for thousands of years by ingesting. [our livelihood] From nature. What will happen to us if they pollute our rivers? \u201d<\/p>\n

The equatorial margin is known for its strong and complex ocean currents. It is home to some of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on Earth, including rare types of mangroves and coral reef systems that regulate the planet’s temperature.<\/p>\n