In a surprise move on Dec. 15, Peru’s Congress approved a change to the country’s Forest and Wildlife Law that supporters say will confer long-overdue legal status on woodland and farm operators but that critics warn will dramatically increase deforestation. The measure allows the titling of some lands, including forest and areas that have been deforested for agriculture without official authorization or where permits recognizing occupancy have been challenged in court. The unexpected vote came two days after congressional leaders received a letter from the president of the National Confederation of Private Business Institutions (Confiep), which includes large agribusinesses. The letter urged support for the measure, saying it “does not promote future deforestation or affect intact forest area, but seeks to regularize existing activities on degraded lands.” Small-scale farmers working lands addressed by the legislative change have also expressed support. But critics warn the measure will spur land... [Log in to read more]