The groups member of La Via Campesina demand that the Code remains as it is now, and denounce that Rebelo´s proposal aims to reduce the Permanent Preservation Areas and to extend the exoneration of fines imposed by the government when native forests are deforested.

“The Forest Code is an innovative law, based in a sustainable use of forests. Contrary to what some producers and their allies say, the Forest Code does not generate unproductive areas”, they state in a communiqué, and they add that in the current legislation the interests of the Brazilian society are “above private interests".

Contrary to the idea proposed by the representative of the Communist Party, La Via Campesina members demand a more active role by the government in the enforcement of the current Forest Code.

The statement adds that if the promoter of the changes succeeds, it would be a “death blow” for the environment, and they warn about potential anti-democratic practices in Parliament, since the main rural organizations involved have expressed their utter rejection to Rebelo´s proposal.

The statement is signed by the Brazilian Association of Forest Engineering Students; the Missionary Indigenous Council (CIMI), the Pastoral Land Commission (CPT), the Brazilian Federation of Agronomy Students (FEAB), the Movement of Dam-Affected People (MAB); the Movement of Peasant Women (MMC); the Movement of Small-Scale Farmers (MPA), the Movement
of Artisanal Fisherfolk; the Landless Rural Workers Movement (MST), and the Rural Youth Pastoral (PJR).