In brief
A Brazilian judge has blocked a zipline project connecting Sugarloaf Mountain to Morro da Urca, citing concerns over potential environmental damage. The project, which would have allowed visitors a high-speed descent, faced significant opposition from locals and activists. While the developer plans to appeal the ruling, the judge emphasized the 'inestimable value' of the heritage site.
A judge in Brazil has blocked a project to build a zipline connecting the famous Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro to a nearby hill, Morro da Urca.
The attraction's developer claimed that the zipline would offer guests thrilling descents at speeds nearing 100km/h (62mph) along a 755m (0.47 miles) stretch.
However, the project initiated four years ago has faced protests from locals and environmentalists, who voiced concerns about irreversible damage to the Unesco World Heritage Site.
The developer is expected to appeal the decision.
Activist Gricel Osorio Hor-Meyll hailed the ruling as a 'huge victory', emphasizing the potential environmental harm that could arise from the construction.
Opposition arguments included the need for excavation work on Sugarloaf Mountain to install access platforms for the zipline.
Despite managing the site stating efforts to minimize excavation by using pre-existing structures, the environmental concerns prompted this judicial decision.
Ironically, the project had previously received approval from both Rio City Council and the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (IPHAN).
In a striking part of the ruling, the judge mandated that IPHAN and the developer pay 30 million reals ($5.77 million, £4.35 million) in damages, highlighting the 'inestimable value of Sugarloaf Mountain, not only for Brazilians but for people worldwide'.
The legal tussle regarding this project has persisted for years, with construction halted multiple times as the developer fought its case in courts, with the project reportedly 95% complete before this ruling was issued.
This decision paves the way for continued legal battles, as the company prepares to challenge the ruling further.
