Infrastructure and Conservation Policy in Brazil |
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Authors: | JOHN REID WILSON CABRAL DE SOUSA JR † |
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Institution: | Conservation Strategy Fund, 17670 Indian Creek Road, P.O. Box 606, Philo, CA 95466, U.S.A., email;Divisão de Engenharia de Infraestrutura, Instituto Tecnológico da Aeronáutica (ITA), Praça. Mal. Eduardo Gomes 50, Vila das Acácias, São Josédos Campos 12228-900, São Paulo, Brasil |
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Abstract: | Abstract: The development of transportation and energy infrastructure has been a major driver in the conversion of natural ecosystems in Brazil since the nineteenth century. Although this pattern is present in most countries, Brazil differs in the scale of opportunities that are still available to build its physical infrastructure while pursuing an ambitious conservation agenda. This advantage stems from the magnitude of intact ecosystems, a dynamic policy environment, and the increasing availability of biological and economic data needed to harmonize conservation with public works. Success depends on integrating conservation and infrastructure planning, rather than relying on the project based, largely ineffective environmental assessment process. Front-loading environmental mitigation and compensation will also help, as will improving public access to, and understanding of, information on the environmental and economic values at stake in major infrastructure decisions. |
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