Activists hold out for Rousseff support on environmental bill

24/04/2012

Activists are hoping that Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff will hold out on her promise to veto proposed changes to a problematic forestry law.

Brazil's agricultural lobby has been fighting against Brazil Forest Code for around a decade, claiming that it is unfair to farmers and ranchers due to excessively strict laws. However, the bill, which was approved by the Senate in December last year, would most likely divert these problems to the environment.

Paulo Adario, coordinator of Greenpeace's Amazon campaign, told the AP: “If this passes it will be a disaster for the environment, it will clearly lead to more deforestation and create an amnesty for those who have broken the law. I see only more destruction in the future if this becomes law."

The bill is due to be heard by the lower house of Congress this week and will most likely be passed. However, it will then go to Ms Rousseff, who has already made clear that she opposes parts of the reform. Activists are hoping that she will hold strong and use her line-item veto powers on the legislation.

But if the bill is passed in its entirety, sustainable forestry plantations will become all the more important for protecting Brazil's natural forest.