DECEMBER 2007

Around the Region

Controversial Uruguayan pulp mill now in operation

A huge pulp mill that Uruguay has allowed a Finnish company to build despite angry protests from neighboring Argentina has begun operating.

Argentina claims the US$1.1 billion Botnia mill will pollute the Uruguay River, which forms part of the two nations’ common border, and send foul air across the river to the Argentine province of Entre Ríos.

WTO tire-import ruling does not deter Brazil

Both Brazil and the European Union (EU) are declaring victory following a Dec. 3 ruling by the World Trade Organization (WTO) Appellate Body on their dispute over Brazil’s ban on imports of retreaded tires.

The dispute began in 2005 when the EU challenged Brazil’s 2000 ban on retread imports as an unfair trade restraint. Though the ban also covered used-tire imports, the EU focused its case on imported retreads.

New shark movie is not flattering to Costa Rica

The recent U.S. release of “Sharkwater,” a documentary about plummeting shark populations worldwide, has rekindled a long-standing controversy in Costa Rica about the country’s role in the illegal shark trade.

Peruvian organizations launch effort to ease mining conflicts

Nearly half the social conflicts registered by Peru’s Ombudsman’s Office in the past year have been related to environmental problems in communities where mines are operating or planned.