Petrobras, Brazil’s state-run oil giant, is at a critical juncture as it pushes for approval to begin offshore drilling in the Foz do Amazonas region, an area of immense ecological importance. The company has recently completed a vital veterinary center in Oiapoque, Amapá, which is a key requirement by Ibama, Brazil's environmental agency, to proceed with the project. This center is equipped to care for a variety of endangered species, from marine mammals to turtles, in the event of an oil spill. Despite this, environmental groups continue to oppose the drilling, citing the risks to biodiversity in the region, which is home to protected territories and fragile ecosystems. Ibama rejected Petrobras' initial drilling request in 2023, demanding better safety measures, but the company has made substantial progress in meeting these demands. The veterinary center is now fully licensed by Amapá and is awaiting Ibama's inspection, which could be the deciding factor for the project’s future. Petrobras is optimistic, but the final verdict remains uncertain. The outcome will have profound implications for Brazil’s energy policy, the environment, and the global debate on fossil fuel exploration in sensitive areas.
https://since20230806.blogspot.com/2025/04/petrobras-amazon-drilling-permit-hangs.html
