We recently wrote about the LEAF project, which uses a strategy that funds good behaviour by compensating governments who demonstrate that they have met specific deforestation goals.
Brazil’s polarising president, Jair Bolsonaro stated that he now wants to extract more money from the Americans to halt the destruction of one of the world’s greatest assets.
If you’re being generous, you might claim the stance represents a robust negotiating tactic, or you might instead choose to believe the Amazon rainforest, which affects the entire planet’s environment, should not be used as a currency in negotiations.
In this regard, Brazil’s Congress is debating a new bill that would enlarge squatter rights on public land – something they say will allow them to enforce stricter policies on environmental protection. But many disagree and believe it is designed to make deforestation easier and allow people who grab land for commercial benefit to operate legally. We wrote about this subject previously when public land was found for sale on Facebook.
Europe Retailers are Pushing Back
Now some European retailers want to send a message back to Bolsonaro and his government. A number of big companies, including Tesco, Marks and Spencer, Metro, John Lewis and others have said they will boycott Brazilian agricultural products if the changes go ahead.
If this or other measures that undermine these existing protections become law, we will have no choice but to reconsider our support and use of the Brazilian agricultural commodity supply chain. – The companies wrote in an open letter to Brazilian legislators.
The combined purchasing power of these companies should be a consideration for the Brazilian politicians, who represent a country that exports more beef and soy than anywhere else in the world.
As the country’s deforestation of the Amazon hits a 12 year high, there is not time for a patient negotiating stance. The world should understand the pugilistic methods of Mr Bolsonaro and mirror that approach back to him.
