Indigenous Protests Force Brazil to Revoke Waterway Decree

The Brazilian government announced on Monday the revocation of a decree that permitted private concessions for waterways. This decision comes after an extensive 33-day protest by thousands of Indigenous people at a Cargill facility in Santarem, northern Brazil. The decree, initially signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, would have allowed private entities to manage waterway maintenance and dredging.

This move signifies a crucial triumph for the Indigenous movement, which had raised concerns that dredging projects would imperil the Tapajós River, Indigenous territories, and the delicate ecological balance of the Amazon. Scientists underscore the Amazon's vital role in global climate regulation, warning that deforestation could exacerbate global warming.

Representing 14 peoples, the Tapajos and Arapiuns Indigenous Council stated that the decree's revocation confirms the value of Indigenous resistance. The protests garnered national attention and spurred solidarity actions across the rainforest and in Sao Paulo, highlighting a perceived contradiction in President Lula's agenda, which champions infrastructure while pledging climate leadership.

Plans to dredge the Tapajós River are linked to broader Amazon infrastructure initiatives, such as a proposed railway driven by agricultural demand, particularly for soy and corn. Experts warn these projects could intensify pressure on Indigenous lands and protected areas, leading to increased deforestation and land grabbing.

The court order to clear the protest site placed the Lula administration in a difficult position, necessitating either police intervention or negotiation. The decision also carried political implications, potentially alienating the powerful agribusiness sector. However, the Presidency's General Secretary confirmed the President's decision to revoke the decree after considering Indigenous concerns, emphasizing the government's willingness to reverse decisions when acknowledging valid positions.

Alessandra Korap, an Indigenous leader of the Munduruku people, celebrated the revocation, affirming their continued commitment to protecting the river and forest despite potential attempts to criminalize their actions.