Prosecutors in Brazil halt zipline project at Rio’s renowned Sugarloaf Mountain

Prosecutors in Brazil block zipline construction at Rio’s iconic Sugarloaf Mountain

Brazil’s federal prosecutors have successfully halted the authorization for the installation of ziplines at Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro. The decision came in response to concerns raised by prosecutors that the project would cause environmental damage to the surrounding area, which is a UNESCO world heritage site. The prosecutors argued that the project had been “illicitly” approved by the federal agency Iphan, after construction had already commenced in September 2022. As a result, both Iphan and the company responsible for the zipline construction now face a civil lawsuit and are required to pay a fine of at least $9.5 million (50 million reais). The company has been given a 60-day deadline to present a plan for repairing the damaged area and to remove all structures and residue from the construction site.

Sugarloaf Mountain, known as Pão de Açúcar in Portuguese, is a prominent landmark at the entrance to Rio’s bay. It was designated as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 2012 and recognized as a national monument by Brazil’s heritage institute years earlier. The mountain’s cable cars, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s beaches and forested mountains, attract hundreds of thousands of tourists each year.

Protests against the zipline construction began in March, with around 200 people gathering beneath Sugarloaf Mountain to express their opposition. Concerns were raised about the project’s potential negative environmental impact, and an online petition to stop the work garnered nearly 11,000 signatures. The proposed ziplines, consisting of four steel lines spanning 755 meters (approximately 2,500 feet) over the forest between Sugarloaf and Urca Hill, would allow riders to reach speeds of up to 100 kph (62 mph). The inauguration was planned for the latter half of this year.

The area surrounding Sugarloaf Mountain is also popular for activities such as sport climbing and birdwatching, with the preserved Atlantic Forest providing a scenic backdrop. The prospect of zipline riders whizzing through the area raised concerns among mountaineers, environmental activists, and residents alike, who feared the potential impact on the environment. There were also warnings that UNESCO might revoke the site’s heritage status.

The prosecutors’ decision came as a result of a public interest civil action lawsuit filed by Brazilian citizens, seeking to protect the environment and preserve the historical and cultural heritage of Sugarloaf Mountain. The prosecutors also discovered that the zipline construction had caused alterations to the natural landscape due to rock demolition and drilling.

Parque Bondinho Pão de Açúcar, the company operating the cable cars and leading the 50-million reais ($9.5-million) zipline project, stated that sound tests indicated that noise from the riders would not be perceptible from below and would not affect climbing routes. The company claimed to have obtained all the necessary permits and licenses for the project, including those from the National Heritage Institute and municipal authorities. They also argued that the project had the potential to boost tourism in the area, providing visitors with an enhanced experience at Parque Bondinho Pão de Açúcar Park.

Opponents of the zipline project have dubbed it “the castle of horrors” and expressed concerns about potential future interventions.

FAQ about zipline construction at Sugarloaf Mountain

More about zipline construction at Sugarloaf Mountain

• Brazil prosecutors block zipline construction at Rio’s iconic Sugarloaf Mountain
• Sugarloaf Mountain – UNESCO World Heritage Centre
• Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car – Official Website