On May 25th, 2012, after almost two years of discussions in Congress, a new version of the Brazilian Forest Code was approved (Law 12.651/2012). The new law reaffirmed important norms for forest conservation in all the Brazilian biomes. It also established innovative tools for the support of forest activity and the monitoring of its implementation.2 Among these innovative tools, is the Rural Environment Registry (CAR). It is a public electronic registry, self-declaratory and mandatory to be applied to all of the rural properties in the country. Its function is to generate environmental information regarding rural properties, allowing for the “control, monitoring, environmental planning and economic planning and the fight against deforestation” in rural properties nationwide (Article 29, Law 12.651/2012; Decree 7.830/2012).
PEC 215: Threat to Rights and to the Environment
PEC 215: Threat to Rights and to the Environment
In addition to enforcing the fundamental rights of indigenous peoples, Indigenous Lands (ILs) are crucial for the maintenance of important ecosystem services. However, this role is under threat. If the Proposed Constitutional Amendment 215 of 2000 (PEC 215/00), currently under discussion in the Brazilian National Congress, is approved, it can cause serious legal insecurity for Indigenous Lands.