"Razor-straight rows of eucalyptus clones flank the Baixa Verde settlement in north-eastern Brazil. The genetically identical trees are in marked contrast to the patches of wild Atlantic forest one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth that remain scattered across the region. Surrounded by nearly 100,000 hectares (247,000 acres) of eucalyptus plantations, Baixa Verde is a rare example of a local victory over a multinational in Brazil."
"After fighting to retain their land, the families now face an unprecedented security crisis marked by armed clashes, arson and death threats, part of a wave of violence driven by a land dispute that has escalated since 2024. A eucalyptus plot owned by Veracel Celulose. Production typically involves converting farmland and forest into monoculture plantations. Photograph: Jhedys Kann Conflicts over land rights have long been an issue in the region. Obtaining property titles is commonly deemed to legitimise land grabs from traditional communities,"
Eucalyptus monoculture plantations surround the Baixa Verde settlement, contrasting with remnants of biodiverse Atlantic forest. Local families established the settlement after nearly two decades of legal battles and documentary proof that 1,300 hectares in dispute were public land. Ninety-one families joined the Landless Workers Movement and occupied a Veracel plantation, accusing the company of using public land. The land dispute has escalated since 2024 into an unprecedented security crisis marked by armed clashes, arson and death threats. Property-title practices in the region often legitimise land grabs from traditional communities. Veracel Celulose is accused of planting eucalyptus on public land.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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