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Ecobreves – CHILE: Activists Sound Alarm on Transantiago Plan

The Transantiago Plan, which is to take effect Feb. 10 in the Chilean capital, is in the sights of ecologists, who are demanding a clear commitment from government officials to the initiative.

Ecobreves – HONDURAS: Mining Companies Demand Legal Framework

By IPS Correspondents and - -

Representatives from the mining industry in Honduras are calling for a new legal framework to guarantee greater investment in the sector to prevent collapse. But despite social pressures, the industry recorded rising profits in 2006.

Ecobreves – MEXICO: Grumbling Over Rule on Batteries

By IPS Correspondents and - -

An environmental norm that the Mexican government intends to approve for managing used battery waste has triggered the ire of environmental activists because the plan fails to include recycling.

Emblematic species like the Magellanic penguin are at risk. - Photo Stock

Alarm Sounded for Patagonian Seas

By Marcela Valente and - -

A new report warns that excessive fishing threatens penguins and whales in the South Atlantic. But local experts disagree about the degree of danger for the marine ecosystem and its fauna.

Sanction Reopens Debate over Piracy in Chile

By Gustavo González and - -

The United States has chastised Chile for failing to protect patents, especially for pharmaceuticals. The European Union also has its eye on the South American nation for possible violations.

Ecobreves – BRAZIL: Unlocking a Bacterial Genome

By IPS Correspondents and - -

The genetic map of the Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus bacterium, an important nitrogen fixant for sugarcane, sweet potato and pineapple crops, was deciphered in Brazil, and its use in agriculture could generate significant environmental benefits.

Ecobreves – ARGENTINA: Renewed Campaign Against Garbage Burning

By IPS Correspondents and - -

The Citizen Anti-Incineration Coalition relaunched its campaign this month for Argentina to ban the polluting process of waste incineration.

Ecobreves – COLOMBIA: Forest Fire Alert

By IPS Correspondents and - -

Some 45 fires were reported in the first two weeks of 2007 in Montería, capital of the northwestern Colombian department of Córdoba, affecting pastures and brushland, Jorge Arbeláez, commander of the local fire department, told Tierramérica.

Ecobreves – BRAZIL: Recycled Debris for Public Works

By IPS Correspondents and - -

Sao Paulo Mayor Gilberto Kassab signed a decree recently that makes it obligatory to use recycled debris for paving and structures in public works projects.

The polar bear is among the species most threatened by climate change. - Photo Stock

Multimillion Dollar Effort to Study Polar Ice Thaw

By Stephen Leahy and - -

The International Polar Year begins in March, and will involve 50,000 scientists studying the impact of climate change at the poles. Canada is the main contributor, donating 160 million dollars.

The Chamela-Cuixmala reserve is home to species like the wild boar. - Claudio Contreras

Tourism Projects Trigger Conflict in Preserve

By Diego Cevallos and - -

Experts and activists plan to take two mega-developments in the Mexican state of Jalisco to international courts, for threatening the Chamela-Cuixmala protected area.

Ecobreves – GUATEMALA: Catholic Church denounces mining company

By IPS Correspondents and - -

The Episcopal Conference of Guatemala (CEG) reported that the Canadian Gold Corp mining company may be polluting the Tzalá river and putting at risk some 5,000 people in the municipality of Sipacapa, on the border with Mexico.

Ecobreves – CHILE: Step Forward for Blue Whale Protection

By IPS Correspondents and - -

The Los Lagos Regional Commission for the Use of the Coastal Fringe in Chile has given definitive approval for a 46 square kilometre protected zone in the gulf of Corcovado and the sea surrounding Chiloé Island which is home to the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus).

Ecobreves – URUGUAY: Film Explodes “Myths” About Pulp Mill

By IPS Correspondents and - -

A documentary film criticising activists in the Argentine city of Gualeguaychú, who fear a pulp mill to be installed on the eastern bank of the border river between both countries will cause pollution, was shown for the first time in Uruguay on Jan. 12.

Ecobreves – VENEZUELA: More Action Demanded in the Year of the Ozone Layer

By IPS Correspondents and - -

Governments and non-governmental and international organizations are way behind with preparations for the International Year of the Ozone Layer in 2007, Venezuelan environmentalist Erik Quiroga, promoter of this global initiative, told Tierramérica.

Ecobreves – CUBA: Wind Turbine Park to Open

By IPS Correspondents and - -

A wind turbine park generating 1,650 kilowatts will be opened on Isla de la Juventud within the next few weeks. The news was confirmed to Tierramérica by Armando Rodríguez, adviser to acting Cuban minister of Science, Technology and the Environment Fernando González.