Environmental Systems and Governance Require Urgent National Leadership
Publicado em 07/05/2026
Divulgação
Raoni Rajão, PhD in Social Studies of Science and Technology and professor in the Engineering Department at Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG)
Published on April 15, 2026
Agriconscient Show – Broadcast by Radio Eldorado Estadão-Brazil
*José Luiz Tejon
Translated/Copydesk by Teacher Francisco Barbosa Bardhal
I recently spoke with Raoni Rajão, PhD in Social Studies of Science and Technology and professor in the Engineering Department at Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG).
I asked him how prepared Brazil is to respond to the world regarding its environmental security in agriculture, amid increasing scrutiny in scientific forums and manipulated narratives,and also what can be expected from the USTR investigation under Donald Trump concerning illegal deforestation in Brazil.
He kindly replied me: “This is really a crucial question. On one hand, Brazil is facing growing international pressure from the European Union, regulations such as the EUDR( European Union Deforestation Regulation ), and the ongoing investigation by the United States. Chinese buyers are also asking many more questions and raising their standards.
On other hand, Brazil has the advantage of strong scientific and technological capabilities, particularly in satellite monitoring.
National Institute for Space Research (INPE) has maintained an active agenda in this field since the late 1960s, developing the PRODES, one of the world’s longest running land use monitoring systems.
At the same time, universities such as UFMG, the Federal University of Goiás, and many others conduct outstanding work in remote sensing, while government systems continue to advance. Ibama( Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources ) has recently launched a system called Sinaflor–PRODES, which accurately verifies the legality of deforestation by cross-referencing federal authorization databases.
These authorizations, originate at each state are transmitted to the federal system via PRODES.
In addition, the Green Seal System is already operational in four states : Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Pará, and Acre. This state-level system integrates authorization data, enabling verification of deforestation legality. In some cases, producers can obtain automatic proof of environmental compliance at no cost.
In short, solutions are already on the table. Of course, they must continue to evolve.
Investment in science and technology must endure as productive sector must assumes and keep implementing continuous monitoring.
But we cannot pretend we're living in the Middle Ages, where each case must be verified in the field, instead of using satellite imagery and high-resolution technologies. Brazil has the solutions and we must use them.”
*José Luiz Tejon – PhD in Education from the Universidad de La Empresa/Uruguay, Master's degree in Education, Art and History of Culture from Mackenzie University, Journalist and advertising professional with specializations from Harvard, MIT, PACE/USA, and INSEAD in France. Columnist for Rádio Eldorado and Estadão On-line, and the author and co-author of 37 books. Academic Coordinator of the Master Science Food & Agribusiness Management program at Audencia in Nantes/France and FECAP/Brazil.Managing Partner at Biomarketing and TCA International. Vice-President of the Brazilian Marketing Foundation (FBM) and ADVB - the Brazilian Marketing Foundation and Association of Sales and Marketing Executives of Brazil. Head of Agro at ANEFAC. ABAG 2023 Agro Personality Award. Former director of Grupo Estadão, Agroceres, and Jacto S/A.
