Amazon's Rising Tides Displace a Brazilian Community on the Brink

Shares of the community on Marajo Island, located at the confluence of the Amazon River and Atlantic Ocean in northern Brazil, have been dwindling in recent years due to the rising tides. For over four decades, Ivanil Brito and her husband Catito lived in a modest stilt house just 20 meters from the shoreline, where they fished, cultivated crops, and tended to livestock. However, their paradise vanished during a violent storm in February 2024, when relentless waters surged through Vila do Pesqueiro town, eroding the coastline that had nourished generations. The storm left Ivanil and her family with no choice but to relocate to a new settlement less than a kilometer inland. "Even though we didn't move far, it feels like a completely different world," Ivanil said, reflecting on their new surroundings. "This is a mangrove area, hotter, noisier, and not a place where we can raise animals or grow crops." The community of Vila do Pesqueiro, home to about 160 families, lies within the Marajo Island mangrove forest, a vital ecosystem that provides shelter and food for countless species of fish, birds, and other wildlife. The rising tides have been a persistent threat to the community, with the coastline eroding at an alarming rate. According to local residents, the problem began several years ago, but it wasn't until the 2024 storm that the full extent of the damage became apparent. "We've been warning the authorities about the erosion for years, but they haven't done anything to stop it," said one resident, who wished to remain anonymous. "Now, we're paying the price." The community's struggle is not unique to Marajo Island. Rising sea levels and coastal erosion are affecting communities worldwide, from the Maldives to the Marshall Islands. However, the situation on Marajo Island is particularly dire due to the unique geography of the area. The Amazon River and Atlantic Ocean meet at the island, creating a complex system of tides and currents that make it difficult to predict and prepare for the rising waters. In addition to the physical challenges, the community is also facing social and economic difficulties. Many residents have lost their livelihoods as a result of the erosion, and the new settlement is not equipped to support their needs. "We're struggling to make ends meet," said Ivanil. "We're trying to adapt, but it's not easy." The community is relying on the support of local organizations and government agencies to help them rebuild and recover. As the community looks to the future, they are determined to preserve their way of life and their connection to the land. "We're not going anywhere," said Ivanil. "We're going to stay here and fight for our rights." The community is working with local authorities to develop a plan to protect the coastline and prevent further erosion. However, the outcome remains uncertain, and the community's future hangs in the balance.