A new four-lane highway being constructed in the Amazon rainforest to prepare for the upcoming COP30 climate summit in Belém has ignited widespread protests. The road, which aims to ease traffic for the 50,000 attendees, including world leaders, has raised serious environmental concerns. Despite claims of sustainability from local authorities, conservationists and indigenous communities argue that the project threatens the very ecosystems that the summit seeks to protect. The road cuts through protected rainforest, raising questions about the true commitment to climate action.

Environmental Impact of the Highway
The construction of the Avenida Liberdade highway is part of a broader effort to prepare Belém for the COP30 climate summit scheduled for November. The road, which stretches over 13 kilometers (8 miles), has already caused significant environmental disruption. Towering trees have been felled, and large swaths of rainforest are being cleared to make way for the infrastructure. Critics argue that a climate summit focused on protecting the Amazon should not come at the cost of deforestation and environmental degradation.

The state government has labeled the project as “sustainable,” citing plans for wildlife crossings and solar lighting along the road. However, conservationists and experts point out that the road cuts through fragile ecosystems, fragmenting the forest and endangering wildlife. Local communities, including indigenous groups, have voiced their outrage, as they fear the road will lead to further deforestation and displacement.

Local Communities and Displacement
One of the most immediate impacts of the highway is on local communities. Claudio Verequete, a resident whose family once harvested açaí berries from the now-destroyed trees, describes the devastating effects of the road. “Everything was destroyed,” he says, pointing to the cleared land. His family’s primary income has vanished, and the government has yet to provide compensation. With no direct access to Belém, the community now finds itself isolated and unable to quickly respond to emergencies.

Verequete is concerned that the road will attract commercial developments, further displacing local residents. “Our fear is that one day someone will offer money to build a gas station or warehouse,” he warns. The construction has already created barriers, making it impossible for some communities to access essential services or transport goods.

Threats to Wildlife and Biodiversity
The impact on wildlife is another major concern. The highway disrupts animal migration patterns and threatens biodiversity in one of the world’s most vital ecosystems. Professor Silvia Sardinha, a wildlife veterinarian, works to rehabilitate animals injured in the area. She explains that the deforestation caused by the road is detrimental to wildlife, both in the immediate and long-term future. “Deforestation means loss,” says Sardinha, emphasizing that animals are losing valuable habitats, making it more difficult to rehabilitate and release them back into the wild.

The Amazon is known for its rich biodiversity, and any disruption to its ecosystems can have far-reaching consequences. The construction of the highway is a stark reminder of the tension between development and conservation in the region.

Government’s Argument: Modernizing Belém for COP30
While local communities and conservationists continue to protest, government officials insist that the infrastructure projects, including the highway, are essential for the modernization of Belém ahead of COP30. State official Adler Silveira lists this road as part of a series of 30 projects designed to improve the city, including new hotels, expanded cruise ship docks, and a new city park. The federal government is investing $81 million to increase the airport’s capacity to accommodate the expected influx of visitors.

Silveira argues that these projects will benefit the city’s economy and attract more visitors. Market vendors in Belém see these developments as an opportunity to boost their businesses. Dalci Cardoso da Silva, a leather shoe stall owner, is optimistic about the future. “This city is improving, and more visitors mean I can sell more and earn more,” he says.

Criticism and Environmental Concerns
Despite the promises of growth and modernization, there is growing scrutiny surrounding the environmental costs of hosting COP30. Many are questioning whether the projects, which require significant infrastructure development, align with the summit’s climate goals. The environmental cost of flying thousands of delegates to the event and building the necessary infrastructure to accommodate them has raised doubts about the true commitment to sustainability.

João Alexandre Trindade da Silva, a herbal medicine seller, acknowledges the construction issues but remains hopeful. “We hope decisions turn into real actions so the planet can breathe,” he says. However, the question remains whether these actions will truly contribute to the long-term preservation of the Amazon.

As the COP30 summit approaches, the construction of the Avenida Liberdade highway has sparked a heated debate about the balance between development and conservation. While the Brazilian government argues that these projects are necessary for the city’s modernization and for hosting the summit, critics warn that the environmental cost may be too high. With the eyes of the world on Belém, the road through the Amazon stands as a symbol of the ongoing conflict between economic growth and environmental protection.