PARIS – French President Emmanuel macron has voiced concerns regarding a major oil exploration project planned in a sea region adjacent to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. He stated on Tuesday that the initiative “is not good for the weather.”

President Macron’s remarks followed a video appeal from Cacique Raoni Metuktire, an Indigenous leader, who requested assistance in persuading Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to halt the project.

In the video, broadcast on France 2, Raoni stated, “Help me stop this project. I told Lula and I also wanted to tell you (…) many people live on the shore and be impacted.”

While emphasizing that he did not want to lecture, particularly concerning “North-South” relations, President macron expressed his belief that the project “is not good for the climate.”

He further suggested,”I think there are other alternative projects that allow you to create jobs and value,” during an interview on France 2 from Nice,where the UN Summit on oceans is taking place.

“our country adopted a prohibition of thes projects. I think it would be good for him to do it, but it is not for me to give lessons,” macron added.

The oil giant petrobras is seeking to commence exploratory drilling in a marine area spanning approximately 350,000 square kilometers along the equatorial margin,roughly 500 kilometers from the Amazon River’s mouth.

“Help me stop this project. I told Lula and I also wanted to tell you (…) Many people live on the shore and be impacted.”

The area is estimated to hold potential reserves of 10 billion barrels of oil. In 2023,Brazil’s proven reserves stood at 15.9 billion barrels.

brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has supported the project, often arguing that Brazil requires funding sources to facilitate its energy transition.

however, President Lula also aims for Brazil to lead the fight against climate change, especially as the country prepares to host the COP30 climate conference in Belém, an Amazonian city, in November.