The WRM International Secretariat addressed the President of Venezuela and environmental authorities of that country expressing concern for the energy transmission line being built between Macagua power station and the Brazilian states of Roraima and Amazonas. The plan is expected to cause deforestation and loss of livelihood for the Pemon indigenous people. Faxes were also sent to Venezuelan authorities concerning the energy transmission line across the Imataca Forest Reserve, that is being resisted by the Kari’na, Arawako, Akawaio and Pemon indigenous peoples due to its negative environmental impact (see article in this issue).
We supported the struggle of the Mapuche nation in Chile opposing the extension of industrial tree plantations by Bosques Arauco S.A. and Forestal Mininco S.A. in their traditional lands of the southern VIII Region, sending faxes to the companies and to regional and national authorities.
The International Secretariat expressed its support to the Government of Thailand for its decision to impose a complete ban on shrimp farming within the Central Plain. Sustainable rice production in this region, that is crucial for the country’s food security, could be menaced by this industry. The expansion of shrimp industrial farming –in this case on mangroves areas- was also questioned in Ecuador. In relation to Greenpeace International's action in Esmeraldas (see article in this issue), the Ecuadorian government was asked by the WRM to abide by the decree that declares illegal mangrove destruction and its substitution by shrimp pools.
On July 14 the International Secretariat addressed the President of Costa Rica in relation to the draft Law for the Autonomic Development of Indigenous Peoples, whose first version was recently approved by Parliament. The President of Costa Rica, Dr Miguel Angel Rodriguez sent us a letter, dated July 29, showing his gratitude for our support to the project and expressing that his government is committed to supporting the empowerment of the indigenous cultures, the valorization of their values and traditions and the improvement of their living conditions.