As a megadiverse country of continental dimensions and vast social inequality, Brazil faces persistent challenges in establishing environmental governance that allows the consolidation of a sustainable future. Over the past five decades, the country has made significant progress in training scientists and strengthening institutions capable of monitoring and understanding the functioning of its complex ecosystems. In the last decade, the environment has become a contentious issue, especially with the polarization of the political debate. Attempts to weaken environmental protection also include attacks to scientists and civil society organizations that are concerned about impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems. The engagement of scientists in communication with diverse stakeholders is a central piece to address this new reality.
Results/Conclusions
Scientific societies and social movements were active stakeholders during the transition from the military dictatorship to democracy in Brazil. Recent substantial changes in the federal government are affecting Brazilian science not only with cuts in resources but also with growing indications of discrediting scientific expertise. Although this trend affects several areas of knowledge, it is particularly harmful when associated with the weakening of environmental policy and the questioning of the rights of indigenous peoples and traditional populations. In response to that, scientific societies and coalitions of scientists and other stakeholders are broadening the efforts to articulate with the conventional media. They are also exploring new mechanisms of outreach to strengthen the role of science in the conservation of natural resources.