The Brazilian business sector is concerned about the possibility of voting on Bill 191/2020, which allows mining, the construction of hydroelectric plants and industrial agriculture on indigenous lands. In this sense, CEBDS (Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development), which represents 85 companies and almost 50% of Brazil's GDP, endorses the position of the Brazilian Mining Institute (Ibram) and declares itself against the possible approval of the proposal.
It is essential to value and protect indigenous lands and culture, which have historically been harmed by activities such as illegal deforestation. The commitment to this defense is enshrined in the Brazilian Constitution and is part of the policy of some of the largest companies associated with the Council, which have taken action against mining in these areas.
Experts from various sectors, including agriculture, mining and environmental protection, state that it is not necessary to occupy indigenous lands to increase potash production in Brazil. The best-known reserves are in Sergipe, Minas Gerais and Amazonas, outside indigenous reserves. In the Amazon, the mines are located at great depths and close to the channels of large rivers, representing major environmental and social risks, in addition to high operating costs.
The growing deforestation of the Amazon, led by illegal felling of the forest, is responsible for most of the greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming. Encouraging activities that result in deforestation represents a step backwards in Brazilian legislation, going against the sustainable development agenda that is being adopted worldwide. Global commitments, including those made by the Brazilian government, aim to reduce the socio-environmental impacts of economic activities, reduce deforestation and combat climate change.
“Almost half of Brazil’s greenhouse gas emissions are caused by deforestation, which is causing a blemish, just like inflation. Putting an end to this is a win-win situation,” explains Marina Grossi, president of CEBDS.
It is clear to the business sector that the risk assumed with the possible approval of the bill will bring enormous reputational, economic, environmental and social damage to the country. We will lose the chance to occupy a leading role in issues such as the global carbon market and will head towards an unprecedented setback.
CEBDS hopes that the Legislature will hold an appropriate discussion on the topic, taking into account the impacts that these regulatory changes may have on the environment, communities and the image of Brazilian products in the global market.
