Summary

Energy – Despite protests by environmentalists, the exploitation of rivers of the Amazon region for the production of energy continues at full speed. The Santo Antônio hydroelectric power plant, to be built on the Madeira River at a cost of R$ 9.5 billion (approx. USD 5.5 billion), should have its first two turbines, of a total of 44, functioning by late 2012.

Fruitculture
• Rising domestic consumption of coconut water has made Brazil the world’s largest producer of green coconut, boosting businesses with ramifications in both the formal and informal economy. While having given rise to recycling programs, the huge consumption of the fresh fruit is generating problems in the streets of big centers and coastal cities, due to the accumulation of its husk.
• With no access to latest generation agricultural chemicals, Brazilian fruit growers face the risk of seeing their doors to the European Union market, which absorbs 60% of Brazil’s exports, close. As from July this year, the Europeans will no longer accept agricultural products containing residues, however minimal, of already banned agrichemicals.

Cattle raising – The Brazilian ovine herd is nearly 13.8 million animals, a modest number if compared with those of the world’s largest breeders. In spite of hurdles, especially with regard to the genetic improvement of the stock, ovine raising is growing fast in the country, while prospects are encouraging.

Urbanism – The recuperation of the São Paulo city downtown area known as Crackland, due to the constant presence of crack dealers and consumers, divides opinions. On one side are those who wish to give the project a social function, privileging those currently dwelling in the area. On the other, those who prefer to see the place transformed into a business district for the generation of jobs.

Society – The disappearance of children and teenagers in Brazil is a grim social problem. Several private entities are struggling to improve the exchange of information – still quite precarious – between the country’s institutions tackling the problem.

Science – A true live laboratory for research into the most diverse fields of knowledge, Antarctica has gained importance in face of rising concern about the environment. Brazil is present in that freezing continent and has been conducting studies that seek improvements mainly in agriculture and meteorology.

Ecotourism – The Bonito region, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, has adopted a rational strategy for the tourist exploitation of its natural beauties. Although elitist – visitors pay dearly to know its attractions –, the model is efficient and not only contributes to environmental preservation but also generates jobs.

Environment – It is estimated that there exist over 100,000 caves in Brazil, though fewer than 5,000 of which have records with the Brazilian Speleological Society. Such lack of knowledge prompted specialists to discuss the matter and propose changes in the legislation regarding the preservation of these natural subterranean cavities.

Human rights – Late last year, torture of detainees in Brazil was once again the target of UN reports of violations. Yet the government has found it difficult to develop programmes to combat such practice, as it meets with the lack of commitment of Justice and Public Safety sectors.

Brazil – The Brazilian population has never had so much access to information on public power corruption as now. Nevertheless, loopholes in the country’s legislation hinder effective social control over the practices of nepotism and kickbacks.

Health – Although a pioneer in heart transplants in Latin America, Brazil has been doing fewer surgeries of this kind than some neighboring countries. The difficulty, according to specialists, lies mainly in the unpreparedness of the professionals responsible for receiving and handling organs.

Memory – An important author of works directed to the children-juvenile public, Monteiro Lobato was, besides a tireless entrepreneur, a passionate advocate of the nationalization of Brazil’s oil. Due to his engagement in the "oil cause", he wound up in jail more than once. Later on, however, his persistence was rewarded with the founding of Petrobras.

Juridical studies – The Higher Law Council of the Fecomercio put in discussion the social contributions that favor professional categories.

Thematic panel – At a meeting of the Economics, Sociology and Politics Council of the Fecomercio, Sesc and Senac, cardiologist Adib Jatene, a medical doctor whose competence is widely acknowledged and who held important public offices, as Minister of Health and Secretary of Health for the government of the state of São Paulo, spoke on his specialty – cardiac diseases. He demonstrated the evolution of diagnostic practices and, principally, the efficacy of a treatment that, thanks to technology, has reduced the number of the more aggressive surgical interventions.