Sustainable Development as a Goal

The Strategic Map of Industry (2007 - 2015) defines sustainable development as the Industry overall goal. It represents a complex challenge to a society deeply marked by inequalities and by the need to grow and promote the social inclusion of a considerable portion of its population.

Brazil is going through a delicate moment. Many of the public works necessary to accelerate the growth of the national economy are not being carried out, for a variety of reasons, but mainly because of a lack of definition in the environmental sphere. Such situations hinder investments in the country and in the long-term, result in substantial loss of potential for the economic growth of the nation.

Against that background, CNI seeks - through its firm and thoughtful actions - to contribute towards the solving of environmental issues. The Confederation takes part in all the main forums for debating and regulating environment-related affairs such as the National Environment Council (Conama), The National Water Resources Council (CNRH) and the National Biodiversity Commission (Conabio).

CNI's performance in those debates and forums has been directed towards the construction of a balanced regulatory framework capable of promoting the country's socio-economic development while at the same time preserving the environment.

- see other councils in which CNI is permanently represented.

Industry is fully aware that unless natural assets are preserved the future of coming generations and the very viability of the sector itself will be threatened..

Qualification for the debate

The basis for CNI actions is the construction of strategic agendas and the definition of consistent positions in both technical and economic terms. This work is the object of referendum through a methodology of consultation with industry federations and sectoral associations

To that end, CNI promoted a meeting in 2006 with the participation of the Standing Committee on the Environment (Coema), the federations of industry, and associations and other entities belonging to the productive sector, all with a view to establishing a common agenda of environmental priorities.

IN 2007, CNI broadened that process of participation and alignment of Brazilian industry in regard to environmental issues. The action led to the holding of the 1st Brazilian Industry Conference on the Environment (I CIBMA)