Residents of Acará, in northeastern Pará, organized a protest against a virtual hearing discussing the proposed installation of a landfill for the waste of Greater Belém. The protest took place in front of the State Secretariat for the Environment, Climate, and Sustainability (Semas) in Belém. The residents expressed their opposition to the project, which aims to set up the landfill in their city, stating their concerns over its potential impact on their community and environment.

The virtual hearing was mandated by the Pará Court of Justice (TJPA) but was poorly publicized, with the link to join being shared only hours before the meeting, limiting public participation. This lack of transparency and engagement frustrated many community members who believed that their voices and concerns were not adequately considered in the decision-making process regarding waste disposal. The online meeting itself came after a previous hearing was suspended due to protests from local residents, indicating ongoing tensions in the area regarding waste management solutions.

The protest highlights significant local dissatisfaction with the proposed landfill, raising questions about community involvement in environmental decision-making and the adequacy of communication from authorities. As the issue of waste disposal continues to be a pressing concern for the region, the responses of both the government and the residents will be pivotal in shaping future strategies and ensuring a balance between environmental management and public health in the affected communities.