Archaeological discovery interrupts COP30 works in Belém

Fabyo Cruz – From Cenarium

BELÉM (PA) – The National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (IPHAN) has found evidence of a possible submerged old metal vessel in Belém, located on Visconde de Souza Franco avenue, near the canal. The discovery took place on Monday 12th, during work on the Doca Linear Park project. The site is one of the city’s public spaces, which is undergoing works to host the 30th UN Conference on Climate Change (COP30).

The archaeological discovery occurred during the monitoring of the engineering works carried out by the research team hired by the State Secretariat for Public Works (SEOP). After identifying the find, IPHAN’s technical team in Pará went to the site to supervise, document and instruct the workers on the importance of isolating and halting construction near the archaeological site, in order to preserve the integrity of the property discovered.

According to IPHAN, the ship allows us to think about the evolution of the city over time, especially in relation to the use of rivers and streams as means of transportation before the urban transformations in Belém. “This discovery leads us to reflect on the area that was once fundamental to the city’s economy and commerce, but which today is just a residential and commercial neighborhood, far removed from its port history,” says the Institute.

The archaeological artifact is unique for the location, since, until now, no records had been found of similar discoveries from excavations carried out in licensing areas for infrastructure projects in the Historic Center of Belém.

The team from the National Historic and Artistic Heritage Institute of Pará contacted the Secretariat of Works and Planning Seop to coordinate preservation actions and discuss the archaeological rescue and detailed analysis of the discovery.

Read more: CENARIUM documentary on COP30 challenges becomes the subject of an international article

Edited by Jadson Lima
Translated by Bruno Sena