A rural community in Brazil has emerged victorious in a battle against a multinational corporation over land rights, but the fight is far from over. In a rare victory for local residents, 91 families won state recognition that Veracel, a pulp-production company jointly owned by Stora Enso and Suzano, did not legally own the land they were occupying. The community of Baixa Verde in north-eastern Brazil has been fighting to retain their land since 2008, when Veracel began planting eucalyptus trees on public land.
Despite winning the battle over land rights, the families now face an unprecedented security crisis marked by armed clashes, arson and death threats. The conflict has escalated since 2024, with eight families unable to cultivate their plots due to the presence of farmers allegedly associated with Veracel.
The company claims it has allocated "more than 20,000 hectares" to agrarian reform initiatives over the past 15 years, but critics say that its operations have led to widespread deforestation and water scarcity. Eucalyptus monoculture is a major driver of environmental damage, including soil erosion, wildlife loss and decreased groundwater levels.
Veracel maintains that it adopts sustainable practices, such as preserving valleys and native vegetation, but independent research has shown that the company's operations are having devastating impacts on local ecosystems. In the neighbouring state of Minas Gerais, eucalyptus monoculture has led to a 4.5 metre drop in groundwater levels over 45 years.
The cultivation of eucalyptus for carbon credits is also under scrutiny, with critics arguing that it is a market-driven mechanism that allows polluters to buy their way out of environmental responsibility. As the climate crisis deepens, communities like Baixa Verde will continue to resist the encroachment of corporate interests on their land and rights.
Despite winning the battle over land rights, the families now face an unprecedented security crisis marked by armed clashes, arson and death threats. The conflict has escalated since 2024, with eight families unable to cultivate their plots due to the presence of farmers allegedly associated with Veracel.
The company claims it has allocated "more than 20,000 hectares" to agrarian reform initiatives over the past 15 years, but critics say that its operations have led to widespread deforestation and water scarcity. Eucalyptus monoculture is a major driver of environmental damage, including soil erosion, wildlife loss and decreased groundwater levels.
Veracel maintains that it adopts sustainable practices, such as preserving valleys and native vegetation, but independent research has shown that the company's operations are having devastating impacts on local ecosystems. In the neighbouring state of Minas Gerais, eucalyptus monoculture has led to a 4.5 metre drop in groundwater levels over 45 years.
The cultivation of eucalyptus for carbon credits is also under scrutiny, with critics arguing that it is a market-driven mechanism that allows polluters to buy their way out of environmental responsibility. As the climate crisis deepens, communities like Baixa Verde will continue to resist the encroachment of corporate interests on their land and rights.
This whole thing just feels so messed up 
. I mean, on one hand, it's great that those 91 families won this major victory over Veracel 
. It's about time someone stood up to that corporation and said "hey, we're not going anywhere" 
. But now they're facing even more threats and violence because of their win? That's just wild 
. And can you believe that company is trying to spin its operations as all sustainable 
? Like, no way 
. I mean, independent research has shown the devastating impacts on local ecosystems... it's like they're trying to gaslight people or something 
. The whole thing just feels so exploitative 
. As climate change gets worse, we need more stories like Baixa Verde resisting corporate interests and fighting for their rights 
.
. These communities need our support, not corporate greed 
.
I think its crazy how Veracel is trying to spin this as a success story when in reality they're just trying to save face after losing the battle over land rights. The fact that 91 families have been fighting for their rights since 2008 and are still dealing with security threats now shows that something's not right. 
We went all the way to New Orleans for Mardi Gras and it was wild 
But you know what's even crazier than Mardi Gras? Trying to get a decent cup of coffee in the morning 
️ My friends and I were stuck waiting for like an hour at this one café, and I was starting to think that maybe they were just trolling us 
Anyway, I digress... back to Brazil. Have you guys ever tried eucalyptus tea? I had it on a trip to Australia last year and it's actually pretty good 
What do you think about these land rights battles in Brazil, though?
It's not just about the land, it's about the environment too - eucalyptus monoculture is destroying the ecosystem & water levels are dropping. I'm literally so frustrated! We need to stand with communities like Baixa Verde & support them in fighting against corporate greed. 
This is insane! 91 families win their fight but now they're facing death threats and arson? 
What's wrong with these corporations? Can't they just leave people alone? They claim they've done agrarian reform, but I'm not buying it. The damage to the environment is real, folks. We can't just talk about carbon credits and sustainability while communities are losing their land and livelihoods. It's time for some serious accountability from these companies. 