Madam, - Tom Hennigan's article on the destruction of the precious rainforest and wetlands of the Pantanal, Brazil (Weekend, June 3rd) and his follow-up report on the exploitation of more than 30,000 Guarani Indians (June 5th) are a shocking exposure of the real impact of globalisation, so shamelessly pursued by both the EU and US in the current World Trade Organisation talks.
He highlights the link between the demise of the natural wonder and wildlife sanctuary that is the Pantanal and the illegal loggers and absentee landlords clearing the way for ranches and more corporate beef production for export. He also highlights the eviction of the native Indians from their lands by white ranchers and the appalling social deprivation and conflict involved.
The policies being pursued by EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson make Europeans complicit in both these major injustices. Commissioner Mandelson is offering Brazilian beef barons a trebling of their imports into Europe and in return is demanding access for European corporations, banks, retail multiples and other services to Brazil.
The only winner in this scenario is corporate greed. The losers are the environment, the rainforest, the impoverished native Indians of Brazil and family farmers in Europe. - Yours, etc,
PATRICK DENNING, Longfield, Stradone, Co Cavan.