Greenpeace protest during Barroso-Lula meeting

Press release - March 19, 2008
Today Greenpeace protested during a meeting in Brazilia between José Manuel Barroso, European Commission President, and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, to highlight the joint EU-Brazil responsibility in fuelling the destruction of the Amazon. This follows the interception of a cargo ship suspected of transporting illegal timber by Greenpeace activists in the French port of Caen on Monday.(1)

Greenpeace activists unfurl a banner protesting the joint EU-Brazil responsibility in fuelling the destruction of the Amazon.

"The EU and Brazil must act now to protect the Amazon and contribute to a sustainable use of forest resources globally. New binding laws are needed to regulate wood products and put rogue companies out of business. Consumers must be safe in the knowledge that they have not contributed to forest crimes with their purchases," said Sébastien Risso, Greenpeace EU forest policy campaigner.

"Businesses in Europe are sourcing timber from companies known to be involved in illegal logging in the Amazon, without reliable traceability and verification systems. They are putting their short-term profits first, regardless of environmental and social consequences," said Marcio Astrini, Greenpeace Brazil Amazon campaigner.

In a statement issued yesterday,(2) Jean-Louis Borloo, French environment minister, announced that the future French Presidency of the EU will take initiatives to protect forests and will support legislation to help fight illegal and unsustainable logging. The European Commission is preparing to publish a proposal in May.

As the world's leading importer of Brazilian Amazonian timber, the EU is fuelling the destruction of the Amazon rainforest by buying illegally logged timber. The EU accounts for almost half of timber exports from the Brazilian Amazon. Greenpeace calls for new laws to ensure that all timber products placed on the European market are from legal sources and well managed forests.

Other contacts:

Sebastien Risso: Greenpeace EU forest policy campaigner, +32 (0)2 274 1 901, +32 (0)496 12 70 09 (mob.)
Mark Breddy: Greenpeace EU communications manager, +32 (0)2 274 1 903, +32 (0)496 15 62 29 (mob.)

Marcio Astrini, Greenpeace Brazil Amazon campaigner: +55 11 8245-2259
Gladis Éboli: Greenpeace Brazil communications director: +55 11 3035-1178 or +55 11 8245-2250

Notes:

(1)http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/press-centre/press-releases2/action-illegal-amazon-timber-17-03-08
(2)http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/article.php3?id_article=2979 (in French)

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