Brazil's Eucalyptus Invasion

Based on an international delegation of the STOP GE Tree Campaign to Brazil in May of 2023, the film features interviews with members of the Quilombola communities, the Ofayé people, and members of the Landless Workers' Movement (MST), providing a comprehensive view of the fight for land sovereignty and against the ecological and social impacts of eucalyptus plantations. The documentary exposes the dark side of the pulp industry in Brazil and its massive-scale eucalyptus plantations on local communities and biodiversity. Eucalyptus plantations, spanning regions in South America, southern Africa, southern Europe, and Australia, have been linked to water shortages, pollution from agrochemicals, and a total loss of biodiversity. Brazil, as the world's largest eucalyptus producer, plays a significant role in this destructive industry. With approximately 7.6 million hectares of eucalyptus plantations, Brazil accounts for 30 percent of the world's total. The states of Bahía and Espírito Santo have witnessed the replacement of the diverse Atlantic Forest ecosystem with eucalyptus plantations, covering nearly three-quarters of some municipalities' land area. Corporations such as Suzano export eucalyptus as pulp for various products, including toilet paper. The introduction of genetically engineered (GE) eucalyptus varieties approved in Brazil threatens to further exacerbate the ecological and social destruction caused by the industry. These GE trees, resistant to pesticides, are likely to increase the use of toxic chemicals such as Roundup, the glyphosate-based weedkiller. Additionally, engineered traits including insect-resistance and increased growth rates, pose a greater threat to the environment while benefiting the pulp and paper industry. Learn more at globaljusticeecology.org