Ilha Grande, Brazil, is a true haven for biological and ecological diversity and much of the credit for the maintenance of its conservation areas is attributed to the relentless work of the Defence Committee of Ilha Grande (CODIG). This non-profit organisation has been fighting for the preservation of Ilha Grande’s ecological integrity and fending off the interests of those seeking capital gains. One project is the eradication of an invasive species of sun coral.

THIS ARTICLE IS AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH AND PORTUGUESE. Some things make no sense at all, especially when it comes to politics and the environment. Far too often, years of careful consultative and democratic negotiation in favour of cultural and environmental conservation can be – and are too often – undone by the surreptitious and unilateral actions of a (perhaps) ill-informed and (sometimes) self-serving few.