asked in 2005

 

1. How far have you come and which goals have you reached since you received the RLA?

The Right Livelihood Award has strengthened the MST's position in the Brazilian society. It was important in order to receive support from the society and show that our struggle is legitimate. It showed that the MST is important for the organisation of the farmers, the development of the production, education, health and creating new relations among people and nature, promoting a more humane and dignified life.


2. Have there been improvements for the landless under the Lula government? What do you criticise the government for?

The Lula government hasn't changed things for the better; it hasn't changed the situation for the landless. The government hasn't changed the neo-liberal economic policies. These policies favour the finance capital and in agriculture, the agro-business. This weakens the position of the small farmers and the Agrarian Reform. The government has to change the economic policies if the Agrarian Reform is to succeed.


3. What is your position on settlements in the Amazon rainforest and indigenous land rights in the Amazon?

We are against the idea of moving the landless to other parts of the Amazon rainforest. There's enough land on the estates that isn't being cultivated and the Agrarian Reform could be done without occupying the Amazon. Instead, we should try to preserve it. The indigenous people have the right to remain and cultivate their land, protecting the natural resources, the rainforest and the water. They should be able to maintain their culture.


4. What effect has the Right Livelihood Award had on your work?

Well, internally for the MST, it motivated the landless to continue the struggle, now that the effort and the sacrifice have gained international recognition. It helped the landless of the MST to gain more self-esteem, inspiration and will to participate. Other sectors of society (universities, intellectuals, churches, etc.) showed more willingness to more firmly support us. The award has also been a means to put pressure on the government to respect and recognize the demands of the MST.