Brazil’s government is facing strong criticism after approving a controversial US$7.3 billion project to blast into one of the Amazon’s ecosystems.
According to Reuters, the plan would turn 22 miles (35 km) of rocky rapids into a year-round trade route for soy and corn exports, boosting Brazil’s global grain trade.
Federal prosecutors are challenging the plan and urging courts to consider the environmental and social impacts on riverside communities.
However, locals fear the project will destroy their livelihoods and the river’s delicate ecosystem.
