legal practice, the team at Aceti Advocacia operates on multiple fronts, from legal consulting on compliance to defending lawsuits, all while keeping these two fundamental goals in focus. We regularly assess the client company’s needs and potential risks to identify the best tools for protecting both the client and the environment. We support and advise professionals involved in environmental licensing to ensure our clients operate safely and without interruptions. Furthermore, we guide the ongoing pursuit of environmental and quality certifications to demonstrate that the company and its products are sustainable and stand out in the market. We also promote the continuous adoption of clean technologies and the development of sustainable production chains. We act and advise caution in situations of uncertainty regarding the environmental impacts of a given activity (Precautionary Principle) in the client’s and the environment’s best interest. These are examples of the holistic approach that an environmental lawyer should embrace. What role do environmental law and litigation play in addressing issues like deforestation and pollution in Brazil? It is important to mention that natural and planted forests cover fifty-nine percent (59%) of Brazil’s territory and that Brazilian agribusiness entrepreneurs, contrary to common perception, are natural environmentalists. They are the ones who most preserve the environment and the soil. Without these efforts, Brazil would not be able to produce such a large amount of food or be a global leader in agriculture. With these considerations in mind, deforestation and pollution are being addressed through the following measures: - Strict legislation: As previously mentioned, our laws are both comprehensive and stringent; - Supervision and law enforcement: Environmental agencies and the Public Prosecutor’s Office work to supervise and enforce laws, using tools such as fines, lawsuits, and Consent Decrees (TACs). - Accountability for offenders: The Brazilian legal system imposes administrative and criminal sanctions on those who violate environmental laws, along with mechanisms for redressing damage caused; - Prevention and mitigation of impacts: Environmental licensing and the requirement for recovery plans for degraded areas are key mechanisms used to prevent and mitigate the environmental impacts of economic activities; - Protecting sensitive areas and vulnerable communities: our legislation protects areas such as indigenous and quilombola lands, including guarantees the protection of public health; - Combating illegal deforestation: Environmental litigation is a crucial tool in addressing illegal deforestation, particularly in the Amazon; - Involvement in the international arena: Brazil aligns with international environmental agreements, and its national environmental laws contribute to achieving these goals. How has your role as an environmental lawyer evolved over the years, and what future developments do you foresee in this field? Aceti Advocacia is a boutique firm, small and specialized. I founded the firm, and my wife, Maria Flávia, is my partner. Our eldest, Lucas, is already part of the team, while our youngest, Enzo, is currently a law student and will be joining us soon. We also have additional lawyers in the firm who support us in assisting our clients. Since beginning my career in 1993, study has been a constant in my life, and this passion has fortunately extended to my wife and children. Continuous learning and a commitment to delivering excellent service are the driving forces behind quality work. When paired with new technologies, technical expertise helps streamline and accelerate daily tasks. Over the past 30 years, I have seen Environmental Law evolve from its infancy into a field of growing prominence and significance. It has progressed from being associated with a small group of environmentalists to occupying its rightful place in society. People need to live in a healthy environment that ensures economically sustainable living conditions. In this context, environmental lawyers are becoming increasingly vital, bearing significant responsibility, as entrepreneurs will more frequently seek their expertise to ensure safety and quality in their operations and fulfill their societal roles. WWW.LAWYER-MONTHLY.COM 35 www.aceti.com.br
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk3Mzkz