Eucalyptus forests as scene at the western border - Brazil: promises and reality

Abstract

The quest for development is part of most discussions that are on the agenda in the contemporaneity. However, the definition of development is far from a consensus and raises many debates. Accordingly, this paper proposes a critical analysis to the support that many sectors of civil society and political representatives have given to the 'new' alternative of development for the west border region of Rio Grande do Sul, focused on the establishment of forests that will serve as raw for multinational companies extract cellulose. In this context, it is suggested that the way to improving opportunities and quality of life will not come through ready revenue for development. According to the perspective of development presented in this study, would be necessary to consider the relevance of cultural characteristics and also create conditions for people to build their way the development, in plural form and respecting the particularities of the territory. Thus, it would be the state and its representatives in various bodies, to promote and support initiatives that ensure the independence, diversification and differentiation of the products and services offered, in addition to empowering the population, considering the people as agents of their development and not just with passive beneficiaries of ready proposals.