Biologist and researcher Lucas Ferrante, from USP and the Federal University of Amazonas (Ufam), warned in an interview with CNN Brazil on the risks of a possible “new pandemic” if the Amazon zoonotic reservoir is opened. Ferrante highlights that the burning and infrastructure projects in the region could lead to catastrophic consequences for global public health.
According to the researcher, a recent study published in The Lancet magazine shows that the Amazon rainforest is the largest zoonotic reservoir on the planet. “If it is opened, we will come into contact with a huge number of pathogens. Bacteria, fungi, prions. So this could give rise not only to a new pandemic, but to a sequence of new global pandemics,” warned Ferrante.
Impacts of BR-319
The researcher also addressed the impacts of the BR-319 highway, which connects Manaus to Porto Velho. Ferrante explained that after the implementation of a maintenance program in 2015, there was an exponential increase in deforestation and land grabbing in the region. He emphasized that scientific studies show, in consensus, that the forest block needs to remain preserved due to the serious consequences of its opening.
“There is no contingent capacity to monitor the area, so much so that we see the smoke getting out of control. In five days, the region has become the epicenter of global greenhouse gas emissions, which are also increasing the drought in the Amazon,” explained the biologist.
Court decision and indigenous rights
Ferrante mentioned a recent court ruling that suspended the preliminary license for the BR-319 highway, citing the lack of adequate environmental studies, the absence of an economic feasibility study and the failure to consult with the affected indigenous peoples. “There are more than 18,000 affected indigenous peoples who are having their rights violated,” the researcher said.
The biologist concluded by emphasizing the importance of preserving the region, arguing that the highway is not a solution, but rather an aggravating factor for environmental and public health problems. He stressed that opening up this block of forest could have devastating consequences not only for biodiversity and the local economy, but also for global health.
This content was originally published in Researcher explains risk of “new pandemic” in case of opening of Amazonas reservoir on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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