The role of environmental social actors in the reorganization of public policies: a case study through the analysis of financial investment policies of the National Environment Fund (1990-2001)

Abstract

From 1990 to 2001, the Brazilian environmental fund was used not only with preservation concern. Other ecological practices were developed by green groops in Brazil. The article analises this process with the add of the Rawl's rational approach and the Habermas' communication one. They suggest that democratic life and ecological values are comprehended as being social practices and not metaphysical and abstract opinions which are declared in the name of natural protection and sustenable development. In this sense, the effort here is to make clear the political definition of the national themes associated with the ecological concern. In parallel, the hermeneutic references of Charles Taylor and Norbert Elias were also used in other to show how specific cultural interferences and the environmental problems are contemplated by the economic and statal structure of the country. Key words: Environmentalism; Public politics; National Fund of Environment.