Ecobreves – BRAZIL: Business Bets on the Environment

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Jun 6 2005 (IPS) - The Ibero-American Congress on Sustainable Development reflected the growing concern of the business world for the Brazilian and the global environment, with 1,200 entrepreneurs and environmentalists participating in the May 31-Jun. 2 meeting in this Brazilian city. Seventy to 90 percent of the market value of major companies ''corresponds to their trademark and reputation,'' and investments in social-environmental responsibility adds 20 percent, congress promoter Fernando Almeida, head of the Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development (CEBDS), said in a conversation with Tierramérica.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) launched the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development during the congress, which saw debate on education, cultural diversity, the role of business, technology and ethics in dealing with the challenges of sustainability.

CEBDS has 50 member companies, which together are responsible for 40 percent of Brazil's domestic product.