Some Brazilian Politicians Portraying Amazon Activists As National Security Threats - TVNZ

[hatrack]

With Amazon deforestation accelerating, Brazilian politicians are portraying foreign environmental groups working in the rain forest as a threat to national security and say they need to be reined in. Invading armies, the theft of medicinal plants, spying and land grabs are among the dangers officials have raised to justify tougher measures such as limits on land ownership and the activities of conservationists.

Nationalists, especially in Brazil's military and intelligence circles, have long harbored conspiracy theories that foreigners are scheming to take Amazon resources. But in recent months, a period coinciding with a spike in the destruction of the world's largest rain forest, those allegations have become louder and more public. Some legislators and military officers say they are concerned about foreign businesses buying up forest land.

"The growing acquisition of land by foreigners in the Amazon is a threat to our national security. We need to impose restrictions now," Sen. Joao Pedro said. Retired Col. Manoel Soriano Neto, a former army intelligence officer, told the government news agency that some groups are fronts serving other country's interests. "They are predators and spies, seeking the biodiversity of our Amazon." Leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has said foreign complaints about Amazon destruction from beef, soybean and ethanol production are part of efforts to undermine Brazilian exports.

His government accuses some foreign groups of biopiracy, claiming they are stealing medicinal plants for pharmaceutical purposes. It has provided little evidence, but said it could shut down foreign groups that fail to provide full accounts of their operations.

EDIT

http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/536641/1912941

[zbdent]

1. have they been taking tips from right-wing radio guys?

[XemaSab]

2. How many is a Brazilian?

:shrug:

:hide:

[GreenPartyVoter]

3. I saw a show recently that depicted the Amazon becoming a grassland and then a desert. I wonder

if the locals will still be worried about foreigners horning in then.