Brazil Called upon to Block Genetically Engineered Eucalyptus Trees
Brazil Called upon to Block Genetically Engineered Eucalyptus Trees
By Valentina Ieri
UNITED NATIONS, Mar 5 2015 (IPS) - Forest protection, increased biodiversity and wildlife conservation are just a few of the promises made by proponents of genetically engineered (GE) plants. But campaigners are not buying these promises.
On Tuesday, environmental activists gathered in Brazilian consulates and embassies demanding that the government reject the proposal of FuturaGene, a biotechnological company, to legalise GE eucalyptus trees.
The action was taken as part of the Emergency Global Day of Action on Four Continents to STOP Genetically Engineered Trees, organised by an international group of NGOs which have formed the The Campaign to STOP GE Trees. The campaign aims to protect forests, biodiversity, and support communities which may be threatened by the effects of GE plants in the environment.
Campaigners fear that the Brazilian Technical Commission on Biosafety (CTNBio), which regulates genetically modified organisms in Brazil, will accept FuturaGenes request for the legalisation of industrial GE plantation, at a conference which will be held on 5th March in Brasilia.
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http://www.ipsnews.net/2015/03/brazil-called-upon-to-block-genetically-engineered-eucalyptus-trees/