Publish to Newswire
Add an EventFrom the Open-Publishing Calendar
From the Open-Publishing Newswire
Indybay Feature
BRAZIL: New Environment Minister
(Translated by Amigos da Terra- Amazonia Basileira)
1) Marina Silva takes over at the Ministry of the Environment, Promises much work.
2) Minister wants to include environmental protection in development banks contracts.
1) Marina Silva takes over at the Ministry of the Environment, Promises much work.
2) Minister wants to include environmental protection in development banks contracts.
----- Original Message -----
From: Amazon Alliance <amazon [at] amazonalliance.org>
To: Amazon Alliance <amazon [at] amazonalliance.org>
Sent: Wednesday, January 15, 2003 10:04 AM
Subject: Brazil: Marina Silva Named New Min. of Envirn.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1) Marina Silva takes over at the Ministry of the Environment, Promises much work
2) Minister wants to include environmental protection in development banks contracts
________________________
1- From Amigos da Terra- Amazonia Brasileira- http://www.amazonia.org.br
(Translated by Amigos da Terra- Amazonia Brasileira)
Marina Silva takes over at the Ministry of the Environment, promises much work - 01/03/2003
Locality: Rio Branco - AC
Source: Pagina 20
Link: http://www.pagina20.com.br/
Senator Marina Silva became the new Environment Minister yesterday promising much hard work and determination in answering the questions which the country is asking in order the improve the living conditions of the populations. "I have faith in God, in the Brazilian people and in our team... that we will create the means to define an economic policy with
environmental quality", said the new Minister.
The Senator and ex-rubber tapper was sworn in during a ceremony at the IBAMA headquarters yesterday attended by the Governor of Acre, Jorge Viana, Senator Tiao Viana, Senators Geraldinho Mesquita and Joao Alberto Capiberibe, Minister Ilmar Galvao of the Supreme Federal Court, the Education Minister Cristovam Buarque, the theologian Leonardo Boff and the Governor of Ceara, Lucio Alcântara. The new Minister's father, Pedro Augusto da Silva, 76, an ex-rubber tapper, also attended the ceremony. Marina Silva called him the "great inspiration of her life".
Yesterday, Marina Silva named Professor Marcos Bastos of the Federal University of Amazonas as the new president of IBAMA.
Both Marina Silva and Jorge Viana attended the ceremony at which the new President of the Republic, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was sworn in. Lula promised to fulfil his election promises to bring about real change.
Jorge Viana said later during an interview that now was not the time to ask what Lula and Marina Silva can do for Acre, but rather what the people of Acre can do to help the new government achieve its goals of raising living standards in both Brazil as a whole and Acre.
Read below one of the most significant parts of Marina Silva''s speech:
"Lula said that his victory is not the product of an election but of a story. That is what I feel in relation to my personal trajectory. It is the result of values cultivated in difficult times, in the union of family life and is influenced by three sources of inspiration: my Christian faith, my father, the rubber tapper Pedro Agostinho and by Chico Mendes. It is the result, particularly, of my participation in a social movement which has contributed decisively to the creation of the "socio-environmental'' concept, defending the forest and the people who live in it as one, disassociable objective"
"To participate in the Lula government is an honour and the challenge of a lifetime. To lead the Environment Ministry in this government is a unique opportunity to honour our story and especially our friends in Acre and throughout Brazil who have given their lives in the name of creating a world with more social justice, better quality of life for all and respect for the environment. We can now put what we have learnt into practice".
"In my case, I bring [to the office] what I have learnt from the religious base communities, the social movement and participation in trade unions. Part of what I have learnt is the conviction that power has to make public and collective sense, or rather that, power is only as legitimate as it is diluted. In sharing power we become stronger. By contrast, the more that power becomes concentrated it becomes sterile, distancing itself from human, social and spiritual values and becoming an object in itself."
"Our role is to offer solutions, awaken consciousness, seek and stimulate partnerships, demand participation in decisions in which the environmental aspect should be considered. We must demonstrate the viability of arriving at a reality in which public policy means a national, integrated development project aimed at creating a better future for all without losing sight of the emergencies facing us in the present".
"Part of this effort will be the recuperation of springs, forests, promoting access to drinking water, even large-scale sanitation projects. The United Nations has proclaimed 2003 the International Year of Fresh Water. In 2004, water will be the theme of the National Conference Of Brazilian Bishop's campaign, putting the question firmly on the political agenda. We will work together with these and other partners to confront this problem".
"I invite everyone to assume in a strong, emphatic and decided manner, our role in combating poverty. We have a lot to say about this subject. We already have an excellent starting point: Agenda 21. This made it clear that it is impossible to deal with environmental questions without seeing poverty as an inextricably interlinked problem, both objects of the same struggle. It is time for Brazil to assume a strategic role in the world based on its privileged position in terms of natural resources. Its exceptional biodiversity is proof of this position".
"We want financial support, certainly, but we also need what we might call ''technological justice'', recognising Brazil''s capacity to make a technological contribution to the world through the work of its research centres as much as through the knowledge accumulated by its traditional populations. I want to re-affirm that the strategic role of the Ministry will focus on: internal and external transversality in the construction of public policies; participation and social control to guarantee that the benefits are shared; sustainability by focusing on education, reducing the need for punitive action - although that must also be strengthened and improved".
"Everyone who want to operate inside the law will have our support and encouragement in the areas of training. Illegality will be punished to the full extent of the law. Brazil is one of the largest consumers and producers of tropical woods. 84% of its production is consumed in the South and Southeast of the country. Sao Paulo is the sixth biggest consumer of tropical woods in the world. We cannot discount this reality. We must do the State''s duty of integrating economic logic with the wider public interest, particularly the defence of the values of justice, ethics, equality and well as social, economic and environmental values".
"We are going to transform the Deforestation Belt into a Sustainable Development Belt. We need to rid ourselves of the equivocal idea that the defence of our ecosystems is incompatible with development. The Atlantic Forest is a powerful example of the fact that environmental degradation goes against development. With 93% of biome destroyed, there exists only misery, inequality, urban degradation, showing that environmental protection and the correct use of natural resources are truly the allies of development".
"I always say that if we have the ethical proposal of developing ourselves in a socially and environmentally just way, then we need to find technical solutions. It is fundamental that this proposal is constructed on the basis of the different dialogue which form part of the Brazilian Nation''s great environmental pact. The 1st National Conference on Environmental and
Development, which will take place in 2003, will provide a means of articulating, systematising and consolidating social participation and the momentum to establish the principles of the government''s environmental policies".
"I wish to thank - as Minister not Senator - all of the officials at the Environment Ministry, IBAMA, the ANA, the Botanical Garden, and Minister Jose Carlos Carvalho. I want to assure them that we will continue the work which was begun under the leadership of Minister Jose Sarney Filho and Minister Jose Carlos Carvalho. In conclusion, President Lula said that he is the most optimistic man in the world. Like him, in the face of difficult circumstances, I have learnt to be a optimist. I do not believe that wrong can perpetuate in the face of the legitimate force of what is right. We must
give in to the logic of the possible. Man made in God''s image must always have the impossible in his sights. Maybe what we have to do is ''exercise our ''right'' muscles'', strengthening them to fight against wrong".
She added that humility must be the face of government. "Against vanity, the voracity of power, we must share credit, achievements and recognition".
_________________________________________
2- From Amigos da Terra- Amazonia Brasileira-
http://www.amazonia.org.br
(Translated by Amigos da Terra- Amazonia Brasileira)
Minister wants to include environmental protection in development banks
contracts - 01/04/2003
Locality: Brasilia - DF
Source: Radiobras
Link: http://www.radiobras.gov.br/
Brasilia - The Environment Minister, Marina Silva, stated in an exclusive interview with Radiobras, that she would like development banks linked to the government to include environmental protection clauses in loan contracts in the productive sector.
The idea, according to the minister, is to promote economic development with environmental responsibility. "We need to make development agencies incorporate sustainability criteria in their investments", she said. Marina suggested that companies like the National Economic and Social Development Bank (BNDES), the Bank of Amazonia (BASA) and even the Bank of Brazil and the Caixa Economica Federal contemplate the inclusion of ecological policies
in their loans.
Marina Silva hopes to get the National Congress to approve the transfer of resources from the Amazonia Development Fund to the Environment Ministry. She added that the government had already achieved an important victory in
getting a seat on the Petrobras Council.
The Minister also said that she would like to improve access to the National Environment Fund for small communities.
*******************************************************************
Distribuido por: Distributed by:
'AMAZON ALLIANCE' FOR INDIGENOUS AND TRADITIONAL PEOPLES OF THE AMAZON BASIN
1367 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036-1860
tel (202)785-3334
fax (202)785-3335
amazon [at] amazonalliance.org
http://www.amazonalliance.org
Disclaimer: All copyrights belong to original publisher. The Amazon Alliance has not verified the accuracy of the forwarded message. Forwarding this message does not necessarily connote agreement with the positions stated there-in.
Todos los derechos de autor pertenecen al autor originario. La Alianza Amazonica no ha verificado la veracidad de este mensaje. Enviar este mensaje no necesariamente significa que la Alianza Amazonica este de acuerdo con el contenido.
La Alianza Amazonica para los Pueblos Indigenas y Tradicionales de la Cuenca Amazonica es una iniciativa nacida de la alianza entre los pueblos indigenas y tradicionales de la Amazonia y grupos e individuos que comparten sus preocupaciones por el futuro de la Amazonia y sus pueblos. Hay mas de ochenta organizaciones del norte y del sur activas en la Alianza Amazonica. La Alianza Amazonica trabaja para defender los derechos, territorios, y el medio ambiente de los pueblos indigenas y tradicionales de la Cuenca Amazonica.
The Amazon Alliance for Indigenous and Traditional Peoples of the Amazon Basin is an initiative born out of the partnership between indigenous and traditional peoples of the Amazon and groups and individuals who share their
concerns for the future of the Amazon and its peoples. There are over eighty non-governmental organizations from the North and South active in the Alliance. The Amazon Alliance works to defend the rights, territories, and environment of indigenous and traditional peoples of the Amazon Basin.
*******************************************************************
From: Amazon Alliance <amazon [at] amazonalliance.org>
To: Amazon Alliance <amazon [at] amazonalliance.org>
Sent: Wednesday, January 15, 2003 10:04 AM
Subject: Brazil: Marina Silva Named New Min. of Envirn.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1) Marina Silva takes over at the Ministry of the Environment, Promises much work
2) Minister wants to include environmental protection in development banks contracts
________________________
1- From Amigos da Terra- Amazonia Brasileira- http://www.amazonia.org.br
(Translated by Amigos da Terra- Amazonia Brasileira)
Marina Silva takes over at the Ministry of the Environment, promises much work - 01/03/2003
Locality: Rio Branco - AC
Source: Pagina 20
Link: http://www.pagina20.com.br/
Senator Marina Silva became the new Environment Minister yesterday promising much hard work and determination in answering the questions which the country is asking in order the improve the living conditions of the populations. "I have faith in God, in the Brazilian people and in our team... that we will create the means to define an economic policy with
environmental quality", said the new Minister.
The Senator and ex-rubber tapper was sworn in during a ceremony at the IBAMA headquarters yesterday attended by the Governor of Acre, Jorge Viana, Senator Tiao Viana, Senators Geraldinho Mesquita and Joao Alberto Capiberibe, Minister Ilmar Galvao of the Supreme Federal Court, the Education Minister Cristovam Buarque, the theologian Leonardo Boff and the Governor of Ceara, Lucio Alcântara. The new Minister's father, Pedro Augusto da Silva, 76, an ex-rubber tapper, also attended the ceremony. Marina Silva called him the "great inspiration of her life".
Yesterday, Marina Silva named Professor Marcos Bastos of the Federal University of Amazonas as the new president of IBAMA.
Both Marina Silva and Jorge Viana attended the ceremony at which the new President of the Republic, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was sworn in. Lula promised to fulfil his election promises to bring about real change.
Jorge Viana said later during an interview that now was not the time to ask what Lula and Marina Silva can do for Acre, but rather what the people of Acre can do to help the new government achieve its goals of raising living standards in both Brazil as a whole and Acre.
Read below one of the most significant parts of Marina Silva''s speech:
"Lula said that his victory is not the product of an election but of a story. That is what I feel in relation to my personal trajectory. It is the result of values cultivated in difficult times, in the union of family life and is influenced by three sources of inspiration: my Christian faith, my father, the rubber tapper Pedro Agostinho and by Chico Mendes. It is the result, particularly, of my participation in a social movement which has contributed decisively to the creation of the "socio-environmental'' concept, defending the forest and the people who live in it as one, disassociable objective"
"To participate in the Lula government is an honour and the challenge of a lifetime. To lead the Environment Ministry in this government is a unique opportunity to honour our story and especially our friends in Acre and throughout Brazil who have given their lives in the name of creating a world with more social justice, better quality of life for all and respect for the environment. We can now put what we have learnt into practice".
"In my case, I bring [to the office] what I have learnt from the religious base communities, the social movement and participation in trade unions. Part of what I have learnt is the conviction that power has to make public and collective sense, or rather that, power is only as legitimate as it is diluted. In sharing power we become stronger. By contrast, the more that power becomes concentrated it becomes sterile, distancing itself from human, social and spiritual values and becoming an object in itself."
"Our role is to offer solutions, awaken consciousness, seek and stimulate partnerships, demand participation in decisions in which the environmental aspect should be considered. We must demonstrate the viability of arriving at a reality in which public policy means a national, integrated development project aimed at creating a better future for all without losing sight of the emergencies facing us in the present".
"Part of this effort will be the recuperation of springs, forests, promoting access to drinking water, even large-scale sanitation projects. The United Nations has proclaimed 2003 the International Year of Fresh Water. In 2004, water will be the theme of the National Conference Of Brazilian Bishop's campaign, putting the question firmly on the political agenda. We will work together with these and other partners to confront this problem".
"I invite everyone to assume in a strong, emphatic and decided manner, our role in combating poverty. We have a lot to say about this subject. We already have an excellent starting point: Agenda 21. This made it clear that it is impossible to deal with environmental questions without seeing poverty as an inextricably interlinked problem, both objects of the same struggle. It is time for Brazil to assume a strategic role in the world based on its privileged position in terms of natural resources. Its exceptional biodiversity is proof of this position".
"We want financial support, certainly, but we also need what we might call ''technological justice'', recognising Brazil''s capacity to make a technological contribution to the world through the work of its research centres as much as through the knowledge accumulated by its traditional populations. I want to re-affirm that the strategic role of the Ministry will focus on: internal and external transversality in the construction of public policies; participation and social control to guarantee that the benefits are shared; sustainability by focusing on education, reducing the need for punitive action - although that must also be strengthened and improved".
"Everyone who want to operate inside the law will have our support and encouragement in the areas of training. Illegality will be punished to the full extent of the law. Brazil is one of the largest consumers and producers of tropical woods. 84% of its production is consumed in the South and Southeast of the country. Sao Paulo is the sixth biggest consumer of tropical woods in the world. We cannot discount this reality. We must do the State''s duty of integrating economic logic with the wider public interest, particularly the defence of the values of justice, ethics, equality and well as social, economic and environmental values".
"We are going to transform the Deforestation Belt into a Sustainable Development Belt. We need to rid ourselves of the equivocal idea that the defence of our ecosystems is incompatible with development. The Atlantic Forest is a powerful example of the fact that environmental degradation goes against development. With 93% of biome destroyed, there exists only misery, inequality, urban degradation, showing that environmental protection and the correct use of natural resources are truly the allies of development".
"I always say that if we have the ethical proposal of developing ourselves in a socially and environmentally just way, then we need to find technical solutions. It is fundamental that this proposal is constructed on the basis of the different dialogue which form part of the Brazilian Nation''s great environmental pact. The 1st National Conference on Environmental and
Development, which will take place in 2003, will provide a means of articulating, systematising and consolidating social participation and the momentum to establish the principles of the government''s environmental policies".
"I wish to thank - as Minister not Senator - all of the officials at the Environment Ministry, IBAMA, the ANA, the Botanical Garden, and Minister Jose Carlos Carvalho. I want to assure them that we will continue the work which was begun under the leadership of Minister Jose Sarney Filho and Minister Jose Carlos Carvalho. In conclusion, President Lula said that he is the most optimistic man in the world. Like him, in the face of difficult circumstances, I have learnt to be a optimist. I do not believe that wrong can perpetuate in the face of the legitimate force of what is right. We must
give in to the logic of the possible. Man made in God''s image must always have the impossible in his sights. Maybe what we have to do is ''exercise our ''right'' muscles'', strengthening them to fight against wrong".
She added that humility must be the face of government. "Against vanity, the voracity of power, we must share credit, achievements and recognition".
_________________________________________
2- From Amigos da Terra- Amazonia Brasileira-
http://www.amazonia.org.br
(Translated by Amigos da Terra- Amazonia Brasileira)
Minister wants to include environmental protection in development banks
contracts - 01/04/2003
Locality: Brasilia - DF
Source: Radiobras
Link: http://www.radiobras.gov.br/
Brasilia - The Environment Minister, Marina Silva, stated in an exclusive interview with Radiobras, that she would like development banks linked to the government to include environmental protection clauses in loan contracts in the productive sector.
The idea, according to the minister, is to promote economic development with environmental responsibility. "We need to make development agencies incorporate sustainability criteria in their investments", she said. Marina suggested that companies like the National Economic and Social Development Bank (BNDES), the Bank of Amazonia (BASA) and even the Bank of Brazil and the Caixa Economica Federal contemplate the inclusion of ecological policies
in their loans.
Marina Silva hopes to get the National Congress to approve the transfer of resources from the Amazonia Development Fund to the Environment Ministry. She added that the government had already achieved an important victory in
getting a seat on the Petrobras Council.
The Minister also said that she would like to improve access to the National Environment Fund for small communities.
*******************************************************************
Distribuido por: Distributed by:
'AMAZON ALLIANCE' FOR INDIGENOUS AND TRADITIONAL PEOPLES OF THE AMAZON BASIN
1367 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036-1860
tel (202)785-3334
fax (202)785-3335
amazon [at] amazonalliance.org
http://www.amazonalliance.org
Disclaimer: All copyrights belong to original publisher. The Amazon Alliance has not verified the accuracy of the forwarded message. Forwarding this message does not necessarily connote agreement with the positions stated there-in.
Todos los derechos de autor pertenecen al autor originario. La Alianza Amazonica no ha verificado la veracidad de este mensaje. Enviar este mensaje no necesariamente significa que la Alianza Amazonica este de acuerdo con el contenido.
La Alianza Amazonica para los Pueblos Indigenas y Tradicionales de la Cuenca Amazonica es una iniciativa nacida de la alianza entre los pueblos indigenas y tradicionales de la Amazonia y grupos e individuos que comparten sus preocupaciones por el futuro de la Amazonia y sus pueblos. Hay mas de ochenta organizaciones del norte y del sur activas en la Alianza Amazonica. La Alianza Amazonica trabaja para defender los derechos, territorios, y el medio ambiente de los pueblos indigenas y tradicionales de la Cuenca Amazonica.
The Amazon Alliance for Indigenous and Traditional Peoples of the Amazon Basin is an initiative born out of the partnership between indigenous and traditional peoples of the Amazon and groups and individuals who share their
concerns for the future of the Amazon and its peoples. There are over eighty non-governmental organizations from the North and South active in the Alliance. The Amazon Alliance works to defend the rights, territories, and environment of indigenous and traditional peoples of the Amazon Basin.
*******************************************************************
Add Your Comments
We are 100% volunteer and depend on your participation to sustain our efforts!
Donate
$240.00 donated
in the past month
Get Involved
If you'd like to help with maintaining or developing the website, contact us.
Publish
Publish your stories and upcoming events on Indybay.
Topics
More
Search Indybay's Archives
Advanced Search
►
▼
IMC Network