Permits for visiting the Amazon

[Mark]

Travelers who want to visit the Amazon region may soon need permits from Brazil's government. It is meant to prevent foreign meddling and illegal activity in the world's largest remaining tropical wilderness.

The law reflects long-standing suspicions among conservative politicians and the military that foreigners working to help Indians and save the rain forest are actually spearheading an international attempt to wrest the Amazon and its riches away from Brazil. The Brazilian government is seeking greater control over religious, environmental and other foreign groups traveling to the Amazon.

Religious and human rights groups often work with indigenous groups in the Amazon to help them secure and protect their rights. Environmentalists have long decried deforestation of the region to make way for cattle and other farming.

It will still take many months before the permit is a necessity to visit the Amazon.

Best wishes,

Mark