SOUTH AMERICA

New Ilhéus port in doubt

16 years ago

A public inquiry into a proposed new private port in the Brazilian state of Bahia has divided public opinion in Ilhéus.

The facility, which is due to handle export iron ore, will be built at Mata Atlântico. However, the Federal Public Ministry had earlier attempted to stop proceedings, following protests from local residents concerned about its impact on the local environment.

They argue that growing eco-tourism would be damaged were it to be built.