Jair Bolsonaro wants this protected area to be a “Brazilian Cancún”

As news of the Amazon forest fires goes viral on social media, President Jair Bolsonaro has come under the microscope for the environmental neglect pushed by his administration. Supported by agriculturalists, Mr. Bolsonaro’s discourse favors increasing the commercial exploitation of Brazil’s natural resources. Since May, Mr. Bolsonaro repeatedly proposed turning Angra dos Reis, a small beach town close to Rio de Janeiro, into what he calls the “Brazilian Cancún.”

Famous for its islands, crystal-clear water and biodiversity, Angra is protected by environmental reserves. To make the area more appealing to tourists, Mr. Bolsonaro’s project would dismantle the Tamoios Ecological Station, which protects five percent of the bay of Ilha Grande, located close to Angra dos Reis. 

What does the project propose?

Inspired by Cancún, the famous tourist destination in Mexico, the project’s main goal is to stimulate the regional economy by way of tourism. The plan is currently valued at BRL 1 billion, and Mr. Bolsonaro announced that he has already contacted investors from Israel, Japan and the United Arab Emirates.

“Cancún generates USD 12 billion per year. What does Angra generate? It only makes money from selling [traditional Brazilian foods] cuscuz, cocoroca, and coconut water,” said Mr. Bolsonaro. 

The proposal envisions a series of infrastructure projects, including the development of a major highway and the construction of a tourist complex at the local marina. Moreover, the regional airport would feature a new terminal and an expanded runway. The plan also...