The Government of the State of São Paulo, through the Secretariat of Investment Partnerships (SPI), reinforces its commitment to preserving biodiversity by including, in the concession notice for the Circuito das Águas and Rota Mogiana Lots, the mandatory installation of wildlife crossings along the 916 km of highways that will be granted to the private sector, covering 20 municipalities. This measure aims to reduce the number of wild animals being run over and protect the region’s rich biodiversity, which is home to species such as the jaguar, wildcat, toucans and coatis.
Data from the São Paulo State Transportation Agency (Artesp) reveals that, between 2019 and 2023, more than 36,000 wild animals were run over on the highways in São Paulo. There are currently 415 wildlife crossings in operation in the state, with another 121 planned, demonstrating the ongoing effort to protect native species.
In the two highway projects of Circuito das Águas and Rota Mogiana, the future concessionaires will be responsible for preparing annual surveys to identify and mitigate hotspots for wildlife roadkill. The studies will be submitted for analysis by Artesp and the Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo (CETESB) and should include the identification of areas with a high incidence of roadkill. Based on these surveys, “ecological corridors” (above and below ground) will be implemented, such as tunnels and ducts, in addition to protective fences designed with specific standards to ensure their effectiveness.
“We are committed to protecting wildlife and improving safety on our highways with the PPI-SP concession projects. With these measures, we not only intend to reduce risks to animals, but also to drivers, promoting safer and more sustainable traffic for everyone,” says São Paulo’s Secretary of Partnerships and Investment, Rafael Benini.
With an investment of R$15.9 billion, the Circuito das Águas and Rota Mogiana Lots will have 916 km of highways granted that should benefit approximately 3.4 million people in 20 cities in the interior of São Paulo: Campinas, Mogi Mirim, Mogi Guaçu, Casa Branca, São José do Rio Pardo, Itobi, Mococa, Aguaí, Holambra, Jaguariúna, Pedreira, Amparo, Serra Negra, Lindóia, Águas de Lindóia, Socorro, Monte Alegre do Sul, Itapira, Estiva Gerbi and Espírito Santo do Pinhal.