Amazon Basin

The Initiative for Regional Infrastructure Integration (IIRSA) is a series of road and energy projects that aims to connect South American countries. The proposed Pucallpa - Cruzeiro do Sul road between Peru and Brazil is a link in the Central Inter-Oceanic highway in IIRSA's Amazon Hub. The route's other sections are largely in place. However, some are still in the paving and rehabilitation process in both countries. This project would open a new road in a biologically and culturally unique area, known as the Sierra del Divisor (Serra do Divisor in Brazil) increasing deforestation.

In this analysis, we assess the effect of Madeira River energy and transportation infrastructure projects on soybean expansion. Precarious transportation networks and natural barriers have kept the region of the Upper Madeira River geographically and economically isolated and have contributed to the low population densities, particularly in the Bolivian States of Beni and Pando. The development potential of this area, where Brazil, Peru and Bolivia meet, lies in the possibilities of accessing the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans by river or through the construction and pavement of roads.