Oyapock

The Oyapock is a river in the far north of South America that forms a large portion of the border between French Guiana and Brazil. It is approximately 400 kilometers long and is part of the Atlantic and Amazon basin system. The river rises in the Tumuc-Humac Mountains on the border region between French Guiana and Brazil and flows generally northeast and east to reach the Atlantic Ocean, with its estuary near the area of Saint-Georges-de-l’Oyapock.

Most of the Oyapock’s course acts as the international boundary between France and Brazil, contributing to cross-border administration and activity along the region. The river supports local transport, fishing, and small-scale commerce for communities on both sides of the border. A notable cross-border link is the Oyapock River Bridge, also known as the Ponte de l’Oyapock, which connects Saint-Georges-de-l’Oyapock in French Guiana with Oiapoque in Brazil and was opened in 2017 to facilitate travel and trade.

Population centers and communities along the river include Oiapoque on the Brazilian side and Saint-Georges-de-l’Oyapock on the French side, along with various indigenous groups such as the Wayampi and other riverine communities. The Oyapock basin sits within tropical rainforest ecosystems characteristic of the Guiana Shield, supporting diverse flora and fauna and providing resources for local fisheries and river transport.

Environmental concerns in the region include deforestation, mining activity, and habitat degradation, prompting conservation efforts and calls for sustainable management of riverine resources.