ENB:04:11
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BRAZIL:
Paulo Roberto Frana, Division of Environment,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the problem of
desertification in the northeast 11% of Brazilian territory,
where rainfall distribution patterns are irregular and the land
has a low capacity for retaining water. Drought in the region has
reduced food production, disrupted the rural life and economy,
increased child mortality, malnutrition and chronic disease. He
added that Brazil is devising an integrated programme to combat
this problem but it is essential that drought and environmental
degradation issues are incorporated into development policies.
Valdemar Rodrigues, Secretario Municipal de Medio Ambiente de
Teresina, Piau¡, made a presentation on the degradation of
marginal lands in a semi-arid region in northeastern Brazil. He
referred to a study carried out in 1991 that drew up a plan of
action to alleviate the effects of drought. The causes of
degradation were identified as: short-run regional development
models based on a international economic environment; the misuse
of natural resources; concentrated land tenure; and high
population density.