Former Brazilian President, Luis Inacio Lula Da Silva came to beautiful Santa Cruz de la Sierra to attend an international economics forum. “Lula” as he is commonly known approved the loan that would serve to construct the road that was thought to go through TIPNIS. Some years ago he attended a meeting in the coca growing area of Chapare with current Bolivian president; at that venue he was given and wore a coca leaf garland (a questionable “honor” I had to endure for hours long time ago, I have to say coca leaf smells awful and disgusting in all the humid heat in the Chapare). At the time of Brazilian Presidential elections, Lula’s presence in the coca growing area was questioned and that road was labelled as “rodovia da cocaina” (cocaine road). Now, many important environmental Brazilian organizations are supporting TIPNIS resolve not to let the road cut in half the protected area.

Lula had plans to meet with current Bolivian president sometime this evening. One of the items that they will have to discuss is the road that intends to pass through TIPNIS.

http://www.eldeber.com.bo/2011/2011-08-29/vernotaahora.php?id=110829171435

I hope current Bolivian government comes to its senses and decides over the four other alternatives of the segment II of the road between Villa Tunari (Cochabamba) and San Ignacio de Moxos (Beni).