Amazon River Dredging Protests Hit Cargill Terminal | Mariner News
Activists Target Cargill Over Amazon River Dredging
Indigenous and environmental activists in Brazil have escalated their Amazon River dredging protests, targeting a Cargill terminal in Santarém. On February 19, approximately 400 demonstrators intercepted a grain barge, managing to board and deface it with messages like “The Tapajós River isn’t for sale.” This action highlights the growing resolve of local communities and environmental groups to protect Amazonian rivers and the precious rainforest ecosystem from what they view as destructive government projects.
Demands for Environmental Protection and Policy Change
The defacement of the soy supply chain barge is part of broader indigenous protests against Brazil’s National Privatization Program, which includes the Madeira, Tapajós, and Tocantins Rivers. Activists, supported by organizations like Amazon Watch, are demanding the repeal of this decree and the immediate annulment of plans to dredge the Tapajós River. They argue that such projects will have severe adverse impacts on the region’s biodiversity and indigenous livelihoods, threatening the delicate balance of the Amazon rainforest.
Ongoing Conflict Over River Development
The incident at the Cargill terminal occurred amidst a two-week blockade by protesters, prompting a court order for their removal. Despite legal actions, the activists remain steadfast in their commitment to stopping development initiatives they believe prioritize commercial interests over environmental and social well-being. This ongoing struggle underscores the significant tensions surrounding infrastructure development and conservation efforts in the vital Amazon basin.
