Indigenous Communities Withdraw from Government Railway Project

Indigenous communities, including the Munduruku and Kayapo, have withdrawn from a government work group advancing the controversial Ferrograo railway project in the Amazon. They argue the project threatens their lands and environment. Supported by farmers for reduced soy transport costs, the railway's impact is under Supreme Court review.

Indigenous communities, led by the Munduruku and Kayapo, on Monday announced their withdrawal from a government work group tasked with advancing the Amazon's Ferrograo railway project. They cite threats to ancestral lands and insufficient consultation.

The Transport Ministry, ANTT, and Infra S.A. have not commented. The 1,000-km railway, intended to lower soy transport costs, is backed by agricultural interests but criticized by indigenous groups for potential environmental impacts and deforestation.

Brazil's Supreme Court has paused the project for further impact studies. Alessandra Munduruku, 2023 Goldman Environmental Prize winner, voiced outrage at the lack of community consultation. Indigenous leaders vow to fight the project despite leaving the work group.