Soy, sugar and wood - the Netherlands and Brasil are riding the wave. Thousands of ships transport millions of tons of merchandise from the Amazon to the port of Rotterdam every year. Many large scale infrastructure projects have been created to stimulate export. The Rio Madeira basin, one of the main waterways in the Brazilian rainforest, is threatening to become overwhelmed by the large roads, big dams, and new ports and polluting factories. As a major trading partner of Brazil, what can the Netherlands do to ensure that unique ecosystems and the living environment of local residents will not be compromised?

Far-reaching (trade) agreements relating to water, biofuels and port logistics exist between the Netherlands and Brazil. The Netherlands are an important trading partner for Brazil. Given its important trade position, the Netherlands should take responsibility and exert influence on Brazilian policy. How can the Netherlands work towards building a sustainable path to economic development? Join us in a debate.

Talk, drink and share your ideas in our Political Café.


Panel:

- Mr. Roberto Cazadilla Sarmiento, Ambassador of Bolivia in the Netherlands

- Paul Zwetsloot, Representative of the Directorate-General for Foreign Economic Relations (DGBEB) in the Netherlands

- Mr. Pitou van Dijck, Associate Professor of Economics Centre for Latin American

Research and Documentation (CEDLA) in the Netherlands

- Mr. Glenn Switkes, Director Amazon Program, International Rivers, Brazil

- Mr. Brent Millikam, Geographer and Senior Policy Advisor Friends of the Earth –Brazilian Amazonia