Brasília, 2/6/2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Between now and 2007, the federal government intends to invest a total of R$1.8 billion in its National Forest Program (PNF). Out of that total, R$150 million will be available immediately for personnel training, technical assistance, research and development.

Speaking at the launch of the program, president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva declared, "Just, sustainable development is the path to the construction of a better XXI century for all of us. It is the only way we can ensure that people can live their lives in dignity, while at the same time we preserve the natural riches and diversity of our planet."

Lula said the biggest challenge facing mankind in the XXI century was to reconciliate development, social justice, progress and protection of the environment. "This is a matter of survival. It is not a question of government, it is a question of civilization," said the president., (AB)