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Summary
Amazonia – Created 12 years ago, the Mamirauá sustainable development reservation was a pioneer in promoting environmental preservation in Brazil with the active engagement of the local population. Today this model is a reference in Brazil and worldwide.
Energy – Although boasting good potential for generating aeolian energy, only now Brazil begins to allocate larger investments to the exploitation of such modality. Tapping into clean sources of energy as the wind is bound to occupy increasing space in the country’s power grid.
Agriculture – Brazil still depends entirely on imports to supply its home market with olive oil and table olives, yet is already investing in its own production. The goal is to make olive harvesting as successful as other non-endogenous crops which are now mainstays of Brazil’s export agenda.
Archeology – The obligation to conduct archeological research prior to the start of major construction works, in Brazil, is a constitutional imposition. For that reason, so-called contract archeology has been gaining momentum in the country and enabling important discoveries.
Biochemistry – Brazil has committed efforts and resources to the field of proteomics, the study of proteins. Studies comprise research into illnesses affecting human beings, animals, and plants, with the purpose of developing more efficient methods to diagnose and fight those illnesses.
Popular culture – For 44 years, the small town of Olímpia, in upstate São Paulo, has been home to a Folklore Festival that, over time, has become Brazil’s biggest. The event has the participation of groups from all over Brazil and attracts tens of thousands of people.
Women – In Brazil, though constituting more than 51% of the electorate, the female sex is a minority in Congress. At the same time, women are the majority among the illiterate population and, in the labor market, earn less than men performing the same tasks do.
Floriculture – Brazil’s northeast region, especially the state of Ceará, has been gaining importance in the production of flowers. Boasting a favorable climate in the higher lands, the state’s flower growers also have in their favor a relative proximity to Europe, which benefits exports.
Labor – Just as is happening in several countries, Brazil is facing a shortage of engineers. The main reason for that is the little interest the profession generates in youth, due to the significant ebbing in demand for professionals in the area witnessed over the last decades.
Fine arts – A greater part of the historical and cultural heritage of Brazil is poorly kept, as it is placed under the responsibility of institutions housed in precarious and unsafe buildings. The situation has prompted the formulation of the Statute of the Museums bill, currently being discussed in the Senate.
Theater – The year of 2008 marks the birth centennial of Polish-born Zbigniew Ziembinski. Endowed with a unique personality, he contributed decisively, both as director and as actor, to the development of Brazilian theatrical art.
Mental health – A victim of cancer at the age of 51, Austregésilo Carrano Bueno –a symbol of the struggle against the forced commitment of patients in psychiatric hospitals in Brazil– died last May. Admitted at the age of 17 by his own father to a psychiatric clinic, Carrano wrote of the hardships he went through during his commitment in a book that was later adapted into the movie Brainstorm (Bicho de Sete Cabeças).
Thematic panels – This issue brings two talks delivered at the Fecomercio, Sesc and Senac Council of Economics, Sociology and Politics. In the first one, former minister Luiz Carlos Bresser-Pereira, who held several portfolios at the federal public administration, addressed the theme "Exchange appreciation in developing countries". In the second one, Vamireh Chacon, a professor emeritus at the University of Brasília, spoke on "The future of federalism in Brazil".