President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva annulled presidential decree 12.600/2025, which called for studies on concessions for waterways on the Tapajós, Madeira, and Tocantins rivers. The decision followed actions by indigenous movements opposed to the projects, including invasions of private properties. The government described the measure as active listening to community demands.
Decree 12.600/2025, issued in 2025, authorized technical studies to assess the feasibility of concessions for waterways on the Tapajós, Madeira, and Tocantins rivers. These waterways are seen as essential for transporting agricultural crops and minerals, providing a more efficient option with lower carbon emissions compared to other transport modes.
The annulment came amid protests led by the Conselho Indígena de Tapajós Arapiuns. The group blocked access to ports in Pará, invaded the Cargill terminal in Santarém, halting private operations. The actions extended to threats and vandalism against Cargill's headquarters in São Paulo, as well as the interception of a barge loaded with grains. Despite a judicial order for deoccupation, protesters entered internal areas of the company, heightening tensions.
Minister Guilherme Boulos, from the General Secretariat of the Presidency, described the revocation of the decree as "active listening" to indigenous concerns about food security and environmental preservation. Traditional communities demand prior consultations and express fears over the ecological impacts of the projects.
The decision occurs in an election year, with the government prioritizing dialogue with social bases. However, critics note that the measure overlooks the need for independent technical analyses before any bidding process, potentially affecting national logistics planning. The original decree aimed to balance development and preservation, without authorizing immediate works.
