Plans to control access to Amazon
By Gary Duffy
BBC News, Sao Paulo
The Brazilian government is wary of bio-piracy
Brazil’s Congress is to be asked to consider a law which could require foreign visitors and workers in the Amazon region to have a permit.
The legislation is designed to prevent outside interference and illegal use of the rainforest’s resources.
Those in the region without a permit would be fined up to $60,000 (£30,000).
But some scientists have warned that if passed the measure could have a negative impact on research, and would force experts to look elsewhere.