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Indigenous protests halt Brazil's Amazon river plan

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February 25, 2026

Brazil has scrapped a controversial plan to open major Amazon rivers to dredging and heavy cargo traffic after weeks of protests led by Indigenous groups. The decision follows sustained demonstrations across the region.

Indigenous communities in Brazil have forced the government to revoke a decree that would expand ports and dredge Amazon rivers for grain transport. Weeks of protests at Cargill's Tapajos port halted operations and highlighted fears of ecological damage and loss of livelihoods. Activists call the reversal a victory, but warn the push to industrialize the river is far from over.

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