Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - November 19, 2023 The iconic symbol of Brazil, Christ the Redeemer, is in the midst of an intense debate over its management and future. The statue, which represents not only Rio de Janeiro but the entire country, has been a fundamental part of Brazilian identity and a major tourist attraction. In October, a bill was introduced that proposes transferring management of the land where the statue stands from federal oversight to the Catholic Church. Proponents of the proposal argue that the Church will be able to solve infrastructure and accessibility problems, while critics believe this would violate the principle of the secular state and the country's environmental commitments. The Christ the Redeemer stands within the Tijuca National Park, a vast area of ​​3,953 hectares of the Atlantic Forest. This park was reforested in the 19th century and is known for its biodiversity. Despite being a highly relevant tourist destination, the balance between tourism and conservation remains a challenge, especially in high-traffic areas such as Corcovado.