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@ green | April-May, 2025

The construction of Avenida Liberdale through the protected Amazonian area risks long-term environmental degradation. While marketed as progress, the project may marginalise Indigenous and rural populations and disrupt traditional livelihoods. Though not officially linked to COP30, the alignment of the road with summit preparations exposes disconnect in Brazil’ s choices.

By SHEILA ROZARIO

13-kilometre highway slicing through the Amazon rainforest may appear modest on paper. However, for the communities living in and around Belém and the Amazon’ s vast and intricate ecosystem, the construction of Avenida Liberdade poses disproportionate and potentially irreversible consequences.

Planned to connect existing road systems across Pará’ s capital city, the highway cuts through a designated conservation area, displacing ancient forests and exposing the Amazon to long-term degradation.

Though officials have denied direct ties to COP30, the highway’ s timing and framing as a legacy project for the city raise urgent concerns about who this development truly serves- and at what cost.

UNRAVELLING AN ECOSYSTEM

The Amazon is not just a dense green expanse- it is a living, breathing entity that absorbs billions of tonnes of carbon dioxide, regulates rainfall across

South America, and houses over 10 per cent of all known species.

The construction of a fourlane highway through its edge introduces permanent habitat fragmentation, increased access for illegal deforestation, and heightened risks of fire and biodiversity loss.

Avenida Liberdade follows an existing powerline corridor, a justification used to suggest minimal new impact. Yet, creating a transport artery in a protected forest opens the door to uncontrolled expansion, triggering a cascade of environmental disruptions.

Forest fragmentation leads to microclimate shifts, with forest edges drying out and becoming inhospitable to many species. Wildlife is displaced. Invasive species take root. What was once resilient becomes fragile.

Furthermore, the emissions generated through deforestation and road construction undermine global efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Each felled tree not only releases stored carbon but also diminishes the Amazon’ s capacity to draw down emissions from elsewhere.

DISRUPTION AT THE DOORSTEP

�Mathias Gelber( GreenMan)

While national governments debate development and climate policies, local communities are often the first to bear the brunt of environmental fallout. Many residents of Belém and surrounding Amazonian areas depend on the forest for food, water, herbal medicine, and traditional livelihoods such as fishing and small-scale agriculture.

Road projects in the Amazon often promise improved mobility and economic opportunities. In reality, they frequently lead to land grabs, rising land prices, and marginalisation of Indigenous and rural populations.

The Avenida Liberdade, though touted as a symbol of modernisation, may erode the very cultural and ecological ties that have sustained Amazonian communities for generations.

Construction work also contributes to noise pollution, water contamination, and increased vehicular traffic in areas previously protected by forest cover. These disruptions, though subtle at first, compound over time, pushing vulnerable communities to the fringes of their land.

A CONVENIENT COINCI- DENCE

Although both federal and state authorities claim that Avenida Liberdade is not part of the official COP30 infrastructure projects, its construction aligns with Brazil’ s preparations to host the UN Climate Change Conference in Belém this November.

The Pará government itself stated that the road would help“ serve people for COP30 in the best possible way,” revealing a contradiction in associating a climate summit with environmental degradation.

Environmental advocate Mathias Gelber acknowledged the complexity of the issue, noting,“ I think it’ s a more complex history behind it and a more long-term consideration of why this road is being built.”

While recognising potential benefits for local communities, he warned that“ the significant danger is that this road will then open up a lot of other opportunities for people to encroach on the virgin rainforest.

“ Gelber emphasised that“ the negative impact on biodiversity habitat needs to be minimised, and the social benefit of this road should be maximised.”

PROGRESS, BUT AT WHAT PRICE?

Modernisation is not inherently harmful. Cities like Belém require infrastructure improvements to accommodate growing populations and global events.

But, the location, design, and long-term impact of these developments must be weighed against irreversible environmental costs. The Amazon is not an expendable asset- it is a global safeguard against climate collapse.

Alternatives exist. Urban investment can prioritise public transportation, retrofitting of existing roads, or decentralised venue planning that avoids ecologically sensitive areas. Such measures may be less convenient, but they demonstrate a sincere commitment to sustainability.

If Brazil and the world are to lead in climate action, then ambition must be matched with integrity. That includes saying no to projects that threaten essential ecosystems, regardless of political convenience.

FUTURE IS OUR OWN

Avenida Liberdade is more than just a road- it is a symbol of a crossroads. One path leads to short-term infrastructure gains and global accolades for hosting climate summits. The other leads to the preservation of a rainforest that is crucial for the Earth’ s climate stability, water cycles, and biodiversity.

The Amazon cannot be paved over in the name of progress. Development must be reimagined to respect and protect what remains of the world’ s natural wealth. For the people of Belém, for the countless species that call the forest home, and for future generations, the stakes could not be higher.- @ green