Protesters demonstrated [10] in Belém, Brazil, on Aug. 6 during the international Amazon Dialogues [11] summit, against the state oil company Petrobras [12]' proposal to begin offshore drilling at the mouth of the Amazon River.
The proposed project is located in deep waters off the Brazillian state of Amapá. The company's application for a license was rejected [13] by the Brazilian Institute of Environment & Renewable Natural Resources [14] (IBAMA) on May 17 due to "technical inconsistencies [15]." According to Ibama, "The basin at the mouth of the Amazon is considered a region of extreme socio-environmental sensitivity because it houses Conservation Units, Indigenous Lands, mangroves, biogenic formations of organisms such as corals and sponges, in addition to great marine biodiversity with endangered species."
Petrobras filed an appeal [16] against Ibama’s decision on May 23, contending they had fulfilled all technical requirements and were prepared to meet any additional demands. However, Marina Silva, Brazil's minister of Environment & Climate Change [19], affirmed that the central government would uphold IBAMA's decision.
The Amazon Dialogues were hosted [17] by Silva's ministry, and brought together representatives from governments across the Amazon Basin.
From Jurist [20], Aug. 7. Used with permission.
