Dinâmica do desmatamento na área de influência da BR-319 no trecho Porto Velho-Humaitá

Abstract

The BR-319 highway, which connects Porto Velho (RO) to Manaus (AM), plays a strategic role in discussions on sustainability and regional integration in the Amazon. This study investigates the territorial and environmental interaction along the stretch between Porto Velho and Humaitá, analyzing the effects of road infrastructure on land use and occupation, the expansion of the agricultural frontier, and the challenges of environmental management. A mixed methodological approach was adopted, including literature review, document analysis, collection of geospatial data (PRODES/INPE, MapBiomas) and statistical data (IBGE, SINIMA), the development of a geographic information system (GIS), and fieldwork conducted between 2021 and 2023. The results indicate that, between 2012 and 2023, deforestation in the area influenced by the highway increased significantly, reaching 1,818.47 km², of which 88.7% occurred in the southern portion of the state of Amazonas, and 68.9% were directly related to the BR-319’s zone of influence. A continuous pattern of forest conversion into agricultural land was observed, especially in the municipalities of Porto Velho, Manicoré, Canutama, and Humaitá, where extensive cattle ranching, soybean cultivation, and logging are predominant. Forest cover decreased from 88.75% in 2012 to 81.33% in 2022, while agricultural land grew from 9.91% to 15.26% in the same period. Territorial pressures were also identified, including land grabbing, real estate speculation, and irregular occupations, even in areas adjacent to conservation units such as the Cuniã Ecological Station and the Mapinguari National Park. Social impacts have intensified, with the displacement of traditional communities, increased land conflicts, and worsening social vulnerabilities due to the limited presence of the state. The study concludes that, without effective conservation and monitoring measures, the reopening of BR-319 will likely exacerbate socio-environmental degradation, highlighting the urgent need for integrated public policies that reconcile regional development with the protection of Amazonian ecosystems and populations.