Gold Conflict in Colombia's Central Mountains

The Colombian authorities could determine this month whether they will move forward on a giant gold mining project in a nature preserve in the central mountain range.

A Stormy Time for Indigenous Wisdom

The World Intellectual Property Organization is making an effort to protect indigenous knowledge, but its criteria put it on a collision course with the indigenous concept of knowledge itself.

Ecobreves – BRAZIL: Invention to Curb Industrial Pollution

Industrial sulfate pollution could be practically eliminated using a biological process discovered at the Engineering School of the University of São Paulo.

Ecobreves – MEXICO: Grass for Ethanol

From greenhouse-grown grasses in the southern Mexican town of Atlixco, some 150 km from the capital, a new type of biofuel could ultimately emerge.

POOR COUNTRIES RAILROADED INTO WEAK COMPROMISE AT UN FINANCIAL SUMMIT

After weeks of negotiations, the conclusion of the United Nations High Level Conference on the Financial and Economic Crisis (24-26 June) was a huge disappointment. The summit was our opportunity to continue lobbying our demands after the Doha Conference on International Financing.

Ecobreves – VENEZUELA: Baby Terecay Turtles Head to Orinoco River

Venezuelan school children released 1,000 young terecay turtles (Podocnemis unifilis) on the banks of the Caura River, a major tributary of the Orinoco.

Ecobreves – CUBA: Crop Varieties to Confront Hurricane Threat

Agricultural scientists are working in Cuba to develop crop varieties that can withstand hurricanes and are resistant to other climate adversities as part of a food security strategy.

Petroleum Sullies the Peruvian Amazon

More than 70 percent of the Peruvian Amazon was divided up into concessions for oil investments between 2003 and 2008, according to a non-governmental report.

Scientists Study the Riches of the Mexican Pacific

A rigorous study of the waters and coastline of the Mexican Pacific is a pending task that will be taken on by a group of 30 scientists.

Ecobreves – BRAZIL: Better Labor Practices in Sugarcane Fields

Brazil seeks to eliminate trade barriers for its ethanol, especially in the European market, with its National Commitment to Improve Labor Conditions in sugarcane production.

Rare Metals Could Trigger Next Trade War

China beat the United States to the punch and has cornered production of rare metals used in environmentally friendly technologies that the world needs to curb climate-changing pollution.

Water Shortage Threatens Half the Planet

The paradox of development means that world population is consuming water to excess, while 2.8 billion people don't have nearly enough, says scientist Jonathan Baillie in this exclusive Tierramérica interview.

Million-Dollar Loan Flows Into Argentine River

The largest loan for environmental clean-up granted to a Latin American country could serve as a test of Argentina's will to recover the toxic Matanza-Riachuelo watershed.

Ecobreves – BRAZIL: World Bank Cancels Loan to Meat Processing Plant

The International Finance Corporation, the private sector arm of the World Bank, rescinded 45 million dollars of financing granted in 2007 to the Grupo Bertin, Brazil's largest beef processing plant.

Ecobreves – ARGENTINA: Polluting Mining Company Finances Public Universities

The Foundation for the Defense of the Environment, in the central Argentine province of Córdoba, reported that a mining company whose vice-president has been indicted for polluting is handing out millions of dollars to public universities.

Ecobreves – MEXICO: Recession Puts Bike Plan on the Skids

The economic crisis has put the Mexico City government's plan to expand bicycle paths -- which now total 80 kilometers -- on hold. The expansion plan coasted to a halt in late 2007.

Ecobreves – HONDURAS: Nearly 4,000 Tons of Garbage Daily

Honduras produces some 3,800 tons of garbage per day, which contributes to the reproduction of flies, mosquitoes and rats, which in turn transmit preventable diseases.

BRAZIL: POWER AND REALISM

It is said that a French politician, asked whether Brazil had a good future, answered with scorn and knowing irony, "Brazil has always had, still has, and will always have a magnificent future." It would seem that the country has suffered for decades under this sort of stigma.

NOSTALGIA FOR THE FUTURE

Chiasso is a small city in the Swiss Ticino blessed with a wonderful climate and splendid nature, lakes and mountains, and blessed as well with the historic fortune of being a part of the Helvetic Confederation and thus having Swiss political and social features, plus, given its proximity to Italy, its people not only speak the language of Dante but also enjoy his country's splendid cuisine. As they say, it can't get better than that.

Out of the Frying Pan and Into the Engine

The touristic city of Neochea, Argentina, is putting together a pioneering plan for the compulsory collection of used cooking oil from restaurants in order to produce biodiesel.

Ecobreves – GLOBAL: Lawmakers Against Climate Change

Some 100 lawmaker from the 13 most polluting countries of the planet gathered Jun. 12-13 in the Italian capital to pursue an effective international agreement to fight climate change.