Source: WWF
Published July 4, 2008 10:09 AM

Curitiba, Brazil — A "fragile" land tenure system and "a scarce presence" by the State were identified as key factors in rising Amazon deforestation last week.

The diagnosis was delivered to the 3rd International Congress on Bioenergy last week by WWF-Brazil forest engineer Ana Euler, who said there was a need to re-discuss the Brazilian development model.

"In many areas of the Amazon we come across a situation in which there are various 'landowners' for the same piece of land and proof of land ownership is extremely difficult," Euler said. "In such a scenario, the populations that are more vulnerable end up being penalized."

"Indigenous peoples, extractivists and small peasants generally lose the dispute to agribusiness and other groups that deploy greater political and economic strength."

The findings draw on studies of the states of Para and Rondônia where a high incidence of land conflict and associated violence were linked to forest degradation and destruction.

For the full article, please visit: http://www.enn.com/ecosystems/article/37574 \\