Land for Life challenges deforestation drive
Salta managed to get Argentina’s Supreme Court to lift a ban on deforestation (see previous Circular). They did this by complying with federal legislation that required them to produce a land-use plan for the province. This theoretically delimited areas where deforestation would be allowed and where not. A legislative loophole, however, means land owners can have their properties recategorized!
In coordination with ASOCIANA we have taken the lead in formally challenging this new wave of deforestation. Over the past weeks we have studied three proposals, two of which are located in areas where deforestation was not permitted. We travelled to Tartagal and took part in a public hearing for the first one, a 26,000 acre plot close to the indigenous communities of the Pilcomayo. We have presented similar challenges on the other two proposals (see map). In each case we have identified significant shortcomings and “economies of truth” in the environmental impact assessments presented by each land owner.
Whilst unlikely to stop any deforestation, at the very least our actions are telling the authorities that someone is watching and reporting on what is going on. This, however, is very time consuming, because we have to first locate, access, copy or photograph, then read and an analyze each proposal, which can be hundreds of pages long. The effort involved is beyond our current capacity, and we know there will be more proposals emerging over the coming weeks and months. We are sharing information with other organizations concerned with environmental justice, including ASOCIANA, indigenous organizations and the Catholic Church, as they will be in a stronger position to challenge the government on this issue.
Land Search
Andrew and Marcelo travelled to Las Lajitas (3 hours drive from Salta) to meet a family wanting to sell land near the Los Palmares Reserve (see Circular 14). Whilst the plot is of interest, the family is currently trying to sort out inheritance rights, and until that is defined we cannot proceed any further. The positive aspect of the trip was that we met more people, including christians, with whom we can continue to develop our network of contacts in the region.
Church outreach and bird survey
Gringo, our friend from Church, continues to spread the news on Land for Life among his contacts. He has recently convinced a pastor from the Brethren Church to become interested in Land for Life work which is very exciting. Click here for a short video on Gringo’s testimony on the work we are doing.
Bird survey
As mentioned previously, CeBIO, a leading conservation organization from the neighboring province of Jujuy has helped us think further about the methodology for the bird survey we will start this winter. They have also put us in touch with several key scientists here in Salta who may also be able to give a hand. We aim to get this work underway in June.
Funding
We are on the verge of getting an account opened, but just when we think it’s done the bank asks us more questions! We really do need the account so we can transfer funds soon for the bird research work. Government policy and the increasingly difficult financial scenario in Argentina mean banks are not so keen to get involved with charities.
We continue to require additional funds, especially for the unforeseen work in challenging deforestation projects. Even small amounts are helpful, as we need to cover photocopying, travel, and some pocket money for folk who give of their time to help us evaluate the proposals. If you would like to help, please contact us via the email address below and we can let you know the best way to send your gift.
Other work
Andrew took part in a two-day meeting run by the Diocese for Christian leaders from the Toba tribe (see photo). The meeting focused on the issue of how families can best disciple their children. Andrew presented a talk on the changing environment that children are growing up in and the challenges this presents to parents. Andrew’s father (who was brought up as a child among Tobas) participated in the meeting via a long phone call with Mateo Alto, a Toba pastor. (see inset photo below).
Andrew travels to Ecuador next month, where he will be reviewing a new initiative being undertaken by Compassion and STADIA in church planting. Click here for a brief video of the work he will be looking at.
Family news
Tomas recently travelled to Chile with his University to visit FIDAE, the region’s largest annual air show. He has also moved into a new flat in the centre of Cordoba, where he will be closer to his student colleagues. The girls are doing well at school, and have resumed their dancing classes with gusto. Carolina has now also added gym to her extracurricular activities. Cecilia is still deciding where to continue with university studies.
We were recently woken up in the middle of a big storm to find a lightening hit had set our neighbour’s house on fire. Andrew (in pouring rain and clad only in his pajama shorts!) helped to rescue people from the burning house. Thankfully they are now doing OK, though have to rebuild their house
Prayer Pointers
· Thank God for what he is enabling us to do vis-à-vis the new advance of deforestation in the Chaco. Pray for discernment in the extent to which we should get involved.
· Continue to pray that we may get a bank account for Land for Life!
· Pray for the children in their studies. Also pray that we might find help with University fees for Cecilia.
· Pray for Andrew’s trip and work in Ecuador (20-27 May), and Maria and the girls who stay at home.
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