In August of last year, the Brazilian government issued decree 12,600, which includes thousands of kilometers of waterways in the Tapajós, Madeira, and Tocantins rivers into the National Privatization Plan. This initiative paves the way for studies evaluating potential concessions for navigation services, dredging, and channel maintenance. The Northern Arc of the Amazon, with its waterways, has historically transported about 40% of Brazil's national exports of soybeans and corn, making it a focal point for economic interests and Indigenous rights.

Since President Lula signed the decree, numerous Indigenous peoples have been vocal against what they perceive as the privatization of these rivers. They argue that the government’s intent to study these concessions masquerades as a sell-off of their ancestral lands and waterways. The decree does raise concerns over environmental ramifications, as it includes exemptions from environmental licensing, which could lead to activities like illegal mining that have already contaminated the Tapajós River with mercury. Many activists worry that dredging operations could further exacerbate pollution and disrupt local ecosystems.

However, as the second semester progresses, initial tensions primarily expressed through verbal disputes escalated on the ground. On the 22nd, a significant development occurred indicating that these tensions may have reached a boiling point, hinting at direct confrontations between Indigenous protesters and government forces. This situation underscores the ongoing struggle between economic development and environmental protection, particularly in regions rich in biodiversity and cultural significance, such as the Amazon Basin.