Can Tropical Rainforests Be Saved?; The Money Lenders

These new entries in Robert Richter's Global Report series examine the world rainforest situation and the policies of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF). Shot in 13 countries with rainforests as well as Japan, Can Tropical Rainforests Be Saved? is an exhaustive look at an area of tropical rainforest besides Brazil that hasn't received a lot of attention: namely, the rest of the world. Overpopulation in Java and Bali have resulted in massive transmigration projects, resettling families in cleared areas of tropical rainforest; deforestation of tropical rainforest in Panama has caused erosion which threatens the operation of the Panama Canal; in the Philippines it is estimated that less than 2% of the rainforest remains; while in Thailand eucalyptus trees are being planted to replace the harvested rainforest. At two hours, the program is a bit long, and features interview clips with scores of experts, government officials, protestors, and residents of the affected areas. While more of a series of reports than a thematic story (except for the program's criticism of Japan's role in buying up logs from the rainforests), Can Tropical Rainforests Be Saved? does open up one's eyes to what's happening in the rest of the world regarding tropical rainforests. The Money Lenders, whose subject matter dovetails to some extent with that of the previous program, examines effects of World Bank and IMF loans (and conditions) to Bolivia, Ghana, Brazil, Thailand, and the Philippines. The World Bank, which has long been the target of protest over their policies in Brazil, has made headlines over their role in rainforest deforestation, but The Money Lenders looks at lesser known areas where the effects of money-with-strings has not had so easily recognizable an effect. In Bolivia, for example, the debt has wracked the economy which, in turn, has led to increased coca plant growth, and higher yields of cocaine. In West Africa, Ghana is touted as an example of the success of World Bank policies; however, critics charge that the poor have been hit very hard by the policies and that health care benefits have been severely cut back. In the Philippines, outspoken citizens question whether the Philippine people should be responsible for debts incurred previously under Marcos' corrupt dictatorship. Although the World Bank and the IMF service loans to countries comprising 90% of the world's population, increasing criticism has warranted a closer examination of these institutions that exert an incredible amount of influence on world economy. Interviews with banking officials as well as economists and officials in the countries profiled offer an interesting look at both sides of the issue. Both The Money Lenders and Can Tropical Rainforests Be Saved? are recommended. (Available from: Richter Productions, 330 West 42nd St., New York, NY 10036; (212) 947-1395.)