Brazil’s Environment MinisterRebuts Nationalist Critics of Amazon Fund

Environment Minister Carlos Minc staunchly defended an international fund being set up to preserve the Amazon, rejecting claims from nationalist politicians and media that the conservation effort impinges on the country’s sovereignty. Next week, Norway will make a $100 million donation to the Amazon Fund, which will be managed by Brazil and is designed to preserve parts of the Amazon, support forest research, and promote sustainable livelihoods such as ecotourism and tapping rubber trees. Minc said the Norwegians and other foreign donors have no intention of interfering with Brazilian sovereignty, adding, “Not all donors think of themselves first. Today, those who destroy the Amazon are Brazilians.” While working to protect some of the forest, the Brazilian government also is promoting a $43 billion program, Avanca Brazil, to develop the Amazon.