On Wednesday, March 7th, more than two thousand people marched in Brasilia/Brazil in solidarity against the reform in the Forest Law. It was a march organized by the Comitê Brasil in Defense of the Forests and Sustainable Development.

The participants all gathered in front of the National Congress, with more than 180 Brazilian civil society organizations and thousands of people unsatisfied with the changes in the Law. They marched to ask president Dilma Rousseff to veto the Forest law reform. The WWF-Brazil CEO, Maria Cecília Wey de Brito, declared: “None of the versions serves Brazil’s interests. They are all extremely damaging to the country. By approving any one of the versions, the Congress will be turning its back on society. ”

The debate on the amendments has been occurring for over two years. Despite the protests of scientists, lawyers, small farmers, environmentalists and social organizations from many areas, exposing the perverse effects the law would have on the environment, the new law has still been approved in the Senate.

“Brazilian society needs to engage, to give support so president Dilma can carry on with her promise and veto,” said former Senator Marina Silva, in a call to society.

Learn about the possible consequences if the National Congress approve the changes:

- US$5 billion in eco fines will be “forgiven” if new forest law passes;

- Legalize millions of hectares illegally cleared through an amnesty;

- Increase greenhouse gas emissions, which will undermine efforts to keep global warming below 2°C;

- Reduce drastically the protection of many sensitive ecosystems, such as springs, wetlands and mangroves;

- Increase the risk of flooding and landslides, and cause problems in the water supply;

- Reduce forest restoration obligations in vulnerable habitats that are important for safeguarding people, environmental services and biodiversity;

- Be nearly impossible to enforce and promote further deforestation.

This is your last chance to support the cause and do good for the environment. Help spread the cause: share on your social network; tell your family and friends; sign the petition. There are many ways to help.

The voting has been postponed to 13 March. Around the world the movement is called #SOSBrazil and has been drawing attention to this subject on social media channels. Stay tuned on Gisele’s Blog for more information!

Check out WWF-Brasil images by photographer Eduardo Aigner!

Source: WWF