The town of Valinhos in Brazil has declared six rural areas near the Serra dos Cocais as of public utility, enabling the expropriation of the land for environmental preservation purposes. This decree was issued shortly after the federal government announced plans to purchase two of these areas for a rural settlement intended for families from the Marielle Vive camp, which has been occupying the region since 2018. The decision to prioritize environmental protection has created a significant conflict with the federal government's intentions.

As detailed in the decree, these properties cover a total area of 3 square kilometers and have now been designated as linked to municipal public interest, meaning they cannot be sold or negotiated. This restriction raises concerns about the federal government's ability to proceed with its settlement intentions, resulting in a standoff between local and federal authorities. The resolution of this impasse is critical for both environmental and social considerations in the region.

The National Institute of Colonization and Agrarian Reform (Incra) has stated that they have been monitoring the situation of the families living in the Marielle Vive camp since 2023 and have earmarked funds to negotiate for the acquisition of the relevant areas by 2026. This ongoing process indicates the federal government's commitment to addressing land reform issues while balancing the need for environmental protection, highlighting the complexities involved in land use and settlement planning in Brazil.