The 1960s saw the Brazilian Amazon rainforest go from wretched jungle to the future of the country. Government policy encouraged widespread de-forestation, gold mining using industrial methods. The government proposed the first hydro-electrical plant based at the Tucurui Dam in the North Eastern State of Pará, Brazil. Producer Cecilia Vaisman traveled to the south western state of Acra, where she speaks with Ilzamar Mendes, widow of Chico Mendes. Mendes had organized a rubber tapper’s union, worked on rubber industry reforms, and murdered for his work. Surrounded by the cacophony of the rainforest, we learn about extensive development plans from ranchers, miners and industry representatives. In the state of Pará, home to the proposed dam, we hear how Brazilian political leaders were beginning to initiate policies for a sustainable future. It was the dawn of Brazilian attempts to save the Amazon rainforest. Few Brazilians knew much about environmental science, but what they did know was that the environmental and social consequences of developing the rainforest were severe.

The Soundprint documentary series features the best work of top radio producers. The award winning documentaries are renowned for drawing the listener into the story with compelling interviews, authentic voices and rich sound. From memoirs to science, health and popular culture, Soundprint creates a powerful experience the listener will not soon forget. Here some related documentaries:

Café Culture Produced by: Judith Kampfner

Funeral in Irian Jaya Produced by: Vicki Monks and Moira Rankin

The Gulag and the Garden of Eden Produced by: Frank Browning

Mending the Hoop: Native American Culture and Spirit Rituals Produced by: Dick Brooks, Dale Looks Twice and Alex Van Oss

Meltdown Produced by: Dan Grossman

Soybean Wars Produced by: Charles Lane

Soundprint Executive Producer: Bill Siemering

Producer: Moira Rankin

Audio Engineer: Anna Maria de Freitas

Associate Producer: Debra Morris