R$ 12 million project attempts to contain erosion progress on Cardoso Island, on the coast of SP The Government of São Paulo began a R$ 12 million project to contain erosion in Estreito do Melão, on Cardoso Island, in Cananéia (SP). The work will last nine months and seeks to stabilize the section most affected by sand escape. Carried out by Fundação Florestal in partnership with SP Águas, the intervention involves the use of dredging. The engineering technique consists of removing and repositioning sediments to restore and stabilize the sandy ridge, the area most impacted by the region's coastal dynamics. ? Click here to follow the new g1 Santos channel on WhatsApp. The erosion process is caused by the action of natural agents, such as water and wind. On Cardoso Island, according to prosecutor Paulo Campos dos Santos, the phenomenon was worsened by rising sea levels and extreme events associated with climate change. Fundação Florestal The executive director of Fundação Florestal, Rodrigo Levkovicz, explained that the first stage involves the installation of geotubes in the strip facing the ocean. The structures are filled with sand and do not cause environmental impacts. "This structure will help protect the sandy ridge against erosion and prevent the rupture of the Melon Strait. This is important because a rupture would severely harm communities located further north," said Levkovicz. An eventual rupture of the Estreito do Melão would affect the communities of Enseada da Baleia, Vila Rápida and Marujá, as well as a mangrove complex. The change would have direct impacts on traditional fishing and navigation. Work to contain the erosion of the Estreito do Melão began on Cardoso Island, in Cananéia. Disclosure/Government of the State of SP The Public Ministry (MP) monitored the contracting process for the work through inspections in the region, with the participation of the Public Defender's Office, representatives of local communities and specialized teams from state agencies. Communities Representatives of traditional communities stated that the beginning of the work represents an achievement after years of mobilization. Environmental engineer Jorge Cardoso, caiçara and resident of Enseada da Baleia, said that the intervention is a milestone. "Communities do not want to leave their spaces. There is an emotional bond with their territory", he highlighted. Containment structure on Cardoso Island, in Cananéia Reproduction/MP-SP Social scientist Tatiana Cardoso, technical advisor for the Articulation of Traditional Peoples and Communities of Cardoso Island, reinforced the importance of the measure to reduce risks and guarantee the continuity of the caiçara way of life. "The work is the result of years of community mobilization and contributes to reducing the risks faced by traditional communities, helping to guarantee the permanence of families in their territories and the continuity of caiçara ways of life", said Tatiana. Public Prosecutor's Office In March this year, the MP presented a technical opinion to the Cananéia Court pointing out an imminent risk of rupture of the Melão Strait. The document indicated that, in the most critical section, the strip of land had narrowed to around 50 meters. There was a possibility of rupture in 2026, which would form a new island and isolate residents. At the time, the Court ordered the Forestry Foundation and the State to draw up an emergency plan to protect the region. In 2018, another rupture changed the island's configuration and forced the relocation of local communities. Sea invaded businesses on Cardoso Island, in Cananéia (SP) Personal Archive/Junior Neves VIDEOS: g1 in 1 minute Santos