THE TWO BANKS OF THE AMAZON RIVER: BETWEEN THE OIL RUSH AND THE STATE OF NONDECISION AFFECTING THE RIVERSIDE COMMUNITIES OF BAILIQUE, AMAPÁ, BRAZIL

Abstract

The discovery of hydrocarbons in the Morpho well, in the Amazon River Mouth Basin, in August 2026 reinforced Amapá’s centrality in debates on energy security and regional development. This article analyzes the relationship between rapid institutional, economic, and territorial mobilization around the new oil frontier and the persistence of structural problems in the riverside communities of the Bailique Archipelago. It adopts a qualitative, exploratory approach based on bibliographic and documentary analysis, bringing together frontier economy, regional development, nondecision, socioenvironmental conflict, and sustainability. The findings indicate that the Equatorial Margin mobilizes investment, territorial planning, professional training, and institutional coordination, whereas Bailique receives predominantly emergency responses to water salinization, siltation, mobility problems, and limited access to public services. This asymmetry reveals different public priorities and distinct temporalities of state action. The article concludes that oil expansion may offer Amapá an important opportunity, but its legitimacy depends on the effective participation of riverside communities in decision-making and on connecting energy sovereignty, social inclusion, and territorial justice.