The brazilian government decided it will continue to permit the illegal
removal of hardwood, particularly mahogany, from Indian lands. The
decision was made in a meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign
Relations attended by representatives of government agencies, AIMEX
(Association of Timber Exporting Companies of Para'), and of the Timber
Trading Federation, an association of British mahogany importers.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Relations, if the trade were
interrupted, the importing coutries would look for other alternatives,
causing financial damages to Brazil. Almost all the Brazilian mahogany
is exported to Great Britain and the United States.
The meeting with representatives of the Brazilian government was held
as a result of a proposal made by Timber, whose representative, Arthur
Morrel, is in Brazil. Because hardwood importers are beig pressured
in England, Timber proposed that a commission should be set up to
certify that the mahogany they are importing is not coming from Indian
areas. The Brazilian government did not agree with the proposal,
arguing that this is one of the functions of IBAMA (Brazilian
Environmenty Institute). But it will not take any measures to prevent
the action of timber companies.
The economic aspect mentioned by the Brazilian government is
ungrounded. Data provided by Greenpeace shows that only fourteen
Brazilian companies concentrate in their hands all mahogany-exploiting
activities. The trade is contolled by two groups: Robinson Lumber Co.
and Gulfstream Traders Ltda. Regarding the Indians, the mahogany is
usually removed from their lands without their authorization. When
contracts are signed with them for this purpose , they only benefit
a handful of Indian leaders. The most affected are is the one
belonging to the Kayapo', located in the State of Para', who have
signed several contracts with timber companies.
Presently, almost all the mahogany trees that are left in Brazil are
located in Indian lands. Originally, the same figure was 40%. A
survey carried out by the Indianist Missionary Council showed that 37
Indian areas had been invaded by timber companies last year. It is
false, therefore, to say that the mahogany being sold to England
is not being taken from Indian lands.
Timber companies are also directly affecting the life of Indian
communities in other ways. In the Kriketum village, of the Kayapo', a
representantive of a company called Purimil has been taking part in
decisions taken by Indians on matters of ther sole interest.
Brasi'lia, July 22, 1993
CIMI - Indianist Missionary Council