BR-319, the highway connecting Manaus to Porto Velho, is driving a process of agricultural occupation of one of the most preserved areas of the Amazon Forest, even before being paved by the federal government. Satellite images and data from the Institute of Man and Environment of the Amazon (Imazon) show that within a five-kilometer radius of the highway, the extension of clandestine roads grew 70% between 2020 and 2025, going from 3,900 to 6,643 kilometers. This growth reflects the expansion of the agricultural frontier over forest areas that still maintained high preservation. The phenomenon occurs regardless of the completion of the paving works, which are defended by the federal government as essential for regional integration.
BR-319 boosts occupation of preserved area in the Amazon through clandestine roads and agriculture, satellite images show
oglobo15 September 2026 at 07:30
Why this matters
The disorderly occupation directly affects local communities and the environment in the Amazon region, with increased deforestation and land conflicts. The federal government defends the highway paving for regional development, but experts warn of environmental risks. Imazon data shows that the occupation process is already underway even before the roadworks are completed.
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This is our short summary of a report published by oglobo on 15 September 2026 at 07:30; the full text stays with the publisher. In our feed it sits under Politics, and it concerns Porto. We currently carry 30079 items in that section.
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