Briefing on the groups interested in the future of the Rainforest

The Government of Brazil The Government of Brazil is elected by the people of Brazil at elections. They need to remain popular enough to be supported at the next election. If they do not keep the support of enough voters they may be voted out. They also need to have good relations with all of the other groups if possible. They need to tread a fine line between using the rainforest to make money as well as being seen to conserve it as a habitat for wildlife and a home for the indigenous people. The Government run the country and are responsible for making decisions. An important task is to improve conditions within the country.

Amerindians (Indios) These are the people who live in the rainforest. Their way of life is similar to that of their ancestors. The forest is not only their home but also provides them with everything they need to survive. They know and understand the forest and are totally at home in it. There have been ‘clashes’ between Amerindians and settlers/workers that have led to deaths and injuries. The Amerindians are supported in the right to live their traditional lives by many people outside of Brazil such as charities like Greenpeace. The Amerindians are very skilled at using the forest in a sustainable way.

Brazil’s rural poor These are the people who live in countryside areas outside of the rainforest. In the past they have made a living working on large plantations growing crops like sugar. However, increasing use of machines has meant fewer workers are needed. Life in rural areas is very hard, unable to make a living many of the poor end up moving to the already overcrowded cities at the coast. This adds to the problems that exist there. These people are used to working hard in the countryside. They would like the chance to work hard and build a better life for themselves and their children.

Foreign Multinational Companies These are companies that operate all over the world. They look for opportunities to conduct their business. They pay Governments for the rights to gather resources such as wood, tin, copper, gold and oil. Their main concern is to make profits. Once they are done with one location they move on to somewhere else and repeat the operation. As the main concern is to make money they have little interest in the environment and people unless they are ‘forced’ to do so by the terms of agreements or bad publicity.

Environmental Groups There are many different environment groups who campaign about the rainforest, the wildlife or the native peoples. They can generate a lot of negative publicity and shape public opinion which in turn can influence the actions of both national governments and large businesses. Groups often act as ‘guardians’ of the rainforest and keep an eye on what is being done there. They publicise what is happening and so cannot easily be ignored by the Brazilian government. ‘Greenpeace’ is a good example of one of these groups.