Brazil President Creates Forest Reserves

[quaoar]

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=509878

Brazil's President Creates Massive Forest Reserves in Amazon After Killing of American Nun

By MICHAEL ASTOR Associated Press Writer
The Associated Press

ANAPU, Brazil Feb 17, 2005 — Brazil's president signed decrees Thursday creating two massive new forest reserves, succumbing to intense pressure to protect a lawless Amazon region from violent loggers and ranchers after the killing last weekend of an American nun who fought to protect the jungle.

The measures signed by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will form a reserve of 8.15 million acres and a national park spanning 1.1 million acres in the state of Para, where 73-year-old Dorothy Stang was shot to death Saturday in a dispute with a powerful rancher.

"We can't give in to people committing acts of violence," said Environment Minister Marina Silva, who announced the decrees. "The government is putting the brakes on in front of the predators."

The decrees were announced after more than 60 groups signed a letter to the president demanding strong moves to curb "violence and impunity associated with the illegal occupation of lands and deforestation" in the Amazon and especially in Para, nearly twice the size of Texas.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

1. Thank you, President Da Silva

Rest in peace, Dorothy Stang.

[Quakerfriend]

2. Hey, GoG!

:hi:

Good to see you! Hope you're doing well!!

And, I second your THANK YOU to the Pres of Brazil!! The news of violence and attempts by the loggers to blackmail the Brazilian gov't with threats of eco-terror really got to me last week. It takes a lot to get me down but, that news broke my heart.

The Brazilian people should be very proud of themselves and cont. to stand tall. Protecting the Amazon is an enormous responsibility and we must all support them on this.