Bélem, Brazil, is building the Avenida Liberdade highway for the COP30 climate conference, aiming to ease traffic for over 50,000 attendees. However, this initiative involves construction through protected rainforests, provoking environmental concerns among locals affected by the project, while some see potential economic gains from increased tourism.
Amid preparations for the COP30 climate conference in Bélem, Brazil, the city is constructing a new highway that will stretch through the Amazon rainforest. This project aims to enhance traffic management for the anticipated influx of over 50,000 attendees, including global leaders and activists. Alongside this highway, significant urban improvements, such as a central square, rainwater management systems, and clean energy initiatives, are also planned.
The new Avenida Liberdade highway will measure 13.3 kilometers, featuring two traffic lanes in each direction, dedicated cyclist lanes, and solar-powered lighting. Local authorities report that the construction is already 20 percent complete, with the “earthmoving stage” currently in progress. The Vice-Governor describes it as a transformative development for Bélem and its metropolitan area.
However, this initiative has prompted significant environmental concerns. The highway will traverse several acres of the Metropolitan Belém Environmental Protection Area, which is designated for conservation. Claudio Verequete, a local resident and berry harvester, expressed frustration over the loss of his livelihood due to the destruction of trees in the area, stating he received no compensation. Contrastingly, some locals, such as Dalci Cardoso da Silva, appreciate the potential economic benefits of the highway construction, citing increased visits and sales.
Infrastructure Secretary Adler Silveira characterized the highway as a vital mobility enhancement, although critics question the sustainability of the project amidst its environmental implications. Images reveal ongoing construction activities within the protected area, raising doubts about compliance with existing environmental regulations established in the 1993 state decree prohibiting harmful activities. The situation exemplifies a conflicting narrative between development and conservation in Brazil’s rainforest region.
The construction of the Avenida Liberdade highway highlights the tension between urban development and environmental preservation in Brazil. While proponents argue the project will bolster local economies and improve infrastructure, critics express concern over its detrimental impact on protected rainforest areas and local livelihoods. As preparations for the COP30 climate conference unfold, this development raises pivotal questions about sustainable practices and ecological responsibility in the face of climate change.
Original Source: nationalpost.com
