This cartoon from El Dia (Aug 4, 2011) illustrates how Brazil is perceived as an advocate, financer of the road that intends to go through the TIPNIS. Today August 15, 2011, La Prensa reported that around 500 people gathered in front of the Brazilian Embassy in La Paz and shouted and sang choruses against that road construction (they used the same slogan theme and tone that current president used to shout when attacking the USA – gringos and the coca leaf). Stakeholders and environmental activists were among those people, they claim they have no political ties and their compromise is the environment and they want to support the indigenous way of life.

http://www.laprensa.com.bo/diario/actualidad/la-paz/20110815/activistas-ecologistas-“kausachun-tipnis-wanuchun-carretera”-viva-el_3635_6648.html

This cartoon is from La Prensa, August 15, 2011. You see a built road across/inside the TIPNIS and Mother Nature is likely to die any minute now…

Cartoons show how Bolivian society views this issue and have no other means to show their anger, let us hope the Bolivian government comes to its senses. There is a pressing need to internalize those externalities; a road must be built as it will bring development between Beni and Cochabamba, but preserving the TIPNIS as is. PERIOD!!