The Trincheira-Bacaja Indigenous Reserve in the State of Para has been
subject to the uncontrolled logging of mahogany. The indigenous groups
living in the area have been continuously pressured by loggers and
goldminers. In January, 1993, we tried to stop the environmental
destruction through legal action. Although the indigenous area has already
been interdicted on paper, it is urgent that the proposal for the reserve's
further delimitation be signed immediately by the Minister of Justice,
Mauricio Correa. A strong response from the international(and national)
community would send a powerful message to the Minister. We are
counting on your participation.
Below is a suggested letter.
Dear X,
We are writing to express our concern regarding the Ministry's delays
in recognizing the Trincheira-Bacaja Indigenous Area in the State of Para.
This is especially troublesome considering the strong pressures exerted by
goldminers and logging enterprises in the region.
In the last year, the actions of the logging companies inside the
Trincheira-Bacaja region has resulted in tremendous environmental
damage, with grave consequences for the societies living there. On January
15, 1993, the Fourth Branch of the Federal Justice issued a preliminary
injuction prohibiting logging roads constructed inside the indigenous area.
The above area received a favorable opinion from Funai's Analysis
Commission which was published in the Union's Official Daily Record on
July 7, 1992, through a dispatch by the President of Funai. Further action
has not occurred since this time
We respectfully, yet urgently request action, through a Ministerial
Decree, leading to the immediate demarcation of the Trincheira-Bacaja
Indigenous Reserve. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Please send by air mail immediately, or fax to the following:
Justice Minister
Mauricio Correa
Ministerio da Justica
Esplanada dos Ministerios, Bloco T
70064-900, Brasilia, DF, Brasil
FAX: 55-61-225-6288
President Itamar Franco
Palacio do Planalto
Praca dos Tres Poderes
70150-900, Brasilia, DF, Brasil
FAX: 55-61-322-2806 or,
55-61-321-1461
copies to:
Ambassador Rubens Ricupero
Brazilian Embassy
3006 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington D.C., 20008
Andre Villas Boas
CEDI
Av. Higienopolis 983
01.238 Sao Paulo, SP, Brasil