Ibama may authorize oil exploration in the Equatorial Margin in 2025

The Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama) may authorize oil exploration by Petrobrás in the Equatorial Margin of Brazil. The license may be issued between March and April of next year. Petrobras had previously requested an exploration license for the region from Ibama, but the request had been denied.

The possibility of releasing the license comes amidst several criticisms. The possible change in the body's position comes in the face of rumors about the transfer of a Petrobras operating base from Belém (PA) to Oiapoque (AP). The Equatorial Margin of Brazil is located between the states of Amapá and Rio Grande do Norte.

Economic growth

The impasse regarding oil exploration in the Equatorial Margin region of Brazil encompasses a collection of political, social, environmental and economic situations and interests. The regional potential for energy production has been an attraction for several business and federal government investments to be directed. Oil exploration in the region can multiply sources of revenue and lead to great economic growth.

Environmental impacts

The equatorial margin is located close to the Amazon River. According to environmentalists, oil exploration in the locality can cause irreversible damage to the environment. The region's ecosystem has been little explored and studied, housing several species responsible for maintaining the global environmental balance, many of which are threatened with extinction.

_{The Equatorial Margin is located between the states of Amapá and Rio Grande do Norte (Photo: reproduction/Disclosure/Petrobrás)}

License request reignites debate

In 2023, Petrobrás requested an environmental license for oil exploration in the region. However, Ibama denied the request, citing the need to carry out studies on the environmental impacts of the activity. The body's position generated a clash with Petrobrás.

The broad debate regarding environmental devastation and in relation to the adoption of environmentally sustainable economic policies, made clear the divergences of positions within the federal government. However, tempers should calm down, since, among the international commitments made by Brazil, it is hosting the next edition of the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP30) in 2025.

Featured photo: Amazon River (Reproduction: Lucas Ninno/GettyImages Embed)