The story of Chico Mendez

Francisco Alves Mendes Filho , AKA Chico Mendes (December 15, 1944 – December 22, 1988), was a Brazilian rubber tapper, unionist and environmental activist. He fought to stop the logging of the Amazon Rainforest to clear land for cattle ranching, and founded a national union of rubber tappers in an attempt to preserve their profession and the rainforest that it relied upon. He was murdered in 1988 by ranchers opposed to his activism.

In order to help them understand the advantages and disadvantages of deforestation, during Term 3, Year 9 students will be producing a TV documentary into the life of Chico Mendez. The above clip is part 1 of an American documentary into the story of Chico Mendez. Below are some useful websites:

WWF
Greenpeace
Amazon Rainforest
The World Bank
Solutions to Earth Destruction
Environmental Defense - Chico Mendez
Chico Mendez Comittee