Eco-Briefs

	HONDURAS
	Government Accused of Siding with Polluter

TEGUCIGALPA, Oct 20 (Tierramérica).- The 55 organizations that make up the Greater Alliance for Omoa, on the Honduran Atlantic coast, accused the Manuel Zelaya government of favoring the Gas del Caribe company, which has been charged with pollution violations.

Four months ago the government asked the Alliance for an extension to verify the irregularities reported against the company, "but that was just to gain time. Apparently the new minister of environment (Tomás Barquero) hired a consultant paid by Gas del Caribe," activist Máximo Parissi told Tierramérica.

The environmentalists believe the delay was to give time for a new environmental permit authorization for the Mexican transnational that for two decades has operated in the Eden-like area of Omoa, causing severe environmental damage, according to reports from the Secretariat (Ministry) of Environment.

According to Parissi, the company sells "a volatile and flammable fuel, inappropriate for tropical climates," and which at any time "could cause a tragedy."

	MEXICO
	Surprise Award for Bicycle Program

MEXICO CITY, Oct 20 (Tierramérica).- The Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) has recognized the Mexican capital's municipal government for its promotion of bicycle use, but cyclists and activists argue that it is not deserved.

"They awarded the wrong city. Here, riding a bicycle continues to be risky," Leonardo Torres, a participant in the campaigns and tours of the non-governmental group Bicitekas, told Tierramérica.

PAHO announced last week that Mexico City won the 2008 International Active Cities-Healthy Cities Contest, in the physical activity and recreation category, thanks to its "Muévete en bici" (move yourself on bike) program.

However, fewer than one percent of the trips inside the city are made on bicycle. By 2012 the goal is for that figure to reach five percent.

	BRAZIL
	More Indigenous Mayors

RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct 20 (Tierramérica).- Six Indians were elected to mayoral posts in Brazil this month, doubling the number of indigenous electoral victories from 2004.

São Gabriel da Cachoeira, an Amazonian municipality with 90 percent indigenous population, is an emblematic case, because the mayor and vice-mayor are both Indians. The other municipalities with indigenous mayors are found in the Amazon, the Northeast, and the southeast regions of the country.

"These mayors could promote public policies based on indigenous values, especially in environmental protection and social equality with other sectors of the local community," Marcos Terena, a veteran indigenous activist, told Tierramérica.

The next step will be to elect state and national legislative deputies, "without losing the profile of ethnic representation as added value," he said.

In addition to the six mayors, there were three vice-mayors and 61 municipal council members elected to office on Oct. 5, according to the Catholic Indigenist Missionary Council.

	ARGENTINA
	Córdoba Residents Protest Dump

BUENOS AIRES, Oct 20 (Tierramérica).- Residents of Bouwer, in the central Argentine province of Córdoba, are protesting a large garbage dump that city officials intend to maintain in the city until 2016.

Protesters have hung signs stating: "Danger: contaminated area" next to traffic lights along the national highway 36 to let visitors know about the problem.

The measure "will not stop the decision to extend the contract with Cliba," the waste company, "but at least we are getting word out about what is happening. We have animals that are dying and the smell is terrible," resident Mónica Rescala told Tierramérica.

The dump, opened in 1982, receives 2,000 tons of waste each day. According to the municipality of Córdoba, 96 percent comes from that city. The Foundation for Environmental Defense says it is "one of the most contaminated places in Argentina."

*Source: Inter Press Service.