New appointments, new policies don't bode well for Brazilian Amazon
by Jenny Gonzales on 4 February 2019
Jair Bolsonaro took office on 1 January. Since then, he has made appointments to his government, and there have been statements by people in his administration, that are causing grave concern among environmentalists.
New Environment Minister Ricardo Salles has come out strongly for an end to the demarcation of indigenous lands, and in support of entrepreneurs and companies being allowed to self-regulate the environmental licensing process for major infrastructure and development projects.
Salles also wants to hire a satellite firm to monitor Brazils forest fires, drought and deforestation. Brazils National Space Research Institute (INPE), a governmental agency, released a response explaining that it is already doing this work. While Salles plan isnt clear, it could be a means of privatizing deforestation monitoring.
Franklimberg Ribeiro de Freitas has been chosen to head Funai, Brazils indigenous affairs agency. However, some fear a major conflict of interest. Freitas was most recently a consulting advisor for indigenous, community, and environmental affairs with the Belo Sun mining company, where he sided against indigenous land rights.
More:
https://news.mongabay.com/2019/02/new-appointments-new-policies-dont-bode-well-for-brazilian-amazon/
Environment and energy:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1127123237