Land grabbing and environmental destruction affects groups such as the M'Bya and Ache in Caazaoa, Paraguav, whose land is beina occuoied and their forest destroved at an alarmina rate. 3. There are also violations of the peasants' right to (ecologically stable) land throuah processes of marginalization, leadinq to environmental degradation. Destruction of rain forest or mountain slope and other marginal lands by peasant colonization is taking place as a reaction to the absence of agrarian reform (Brazil, Andean countries). Good agricultural lands in ecoloqicallv stable regions are often occupied bv landlords (as a consequence of colonial historv) or rich firms and land speculators. As a strategy to avoid aqrarian reform in these reqions, these interest groups sometimes oromote "colonization instead of agrarian reform", which leads eventually to the destruction of ecologically fragile lands. Comments on the links 4. It is the peasants and indigenous peoples who suffer already today from environmental degradation in relation to their human right to food, because thev are pushed to the ecological margins of society. As well as being forced to cause environmental degradation, thev are the first to suffer from effects which will make much larger sectors of mankind suffer in the future unless the ecocide and climatic hazards are prevented. They therefore flash the warning lights for all of us. 5. Extreme poverty has been recognized by the. World Commission on Environment and Development in their report "Our Common Future" as a main cause of environmental degradation. In discussing the right to a clean environment, one should therefore take into account the rights of the most vulnerable sectors of society. The approach along these lines of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and of the Sub-Commission's special rapporteur on the realization of economic, social and cultural rights is to be welcomed. E/CN.4/Sub.2/1990/NGO/9 oaqe 3 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the relationship between environmental degradation, poverty, and human rights, specifically highlighting the impact of land grabbing and peasant colonization on indigenous communities and the environment. It also touches on the theme of sustainable development and the importance of recognizing the rights of vulnerable sectors of society.

**Category**
Natural resources and environment, Agriculture, forestry and fishing, Humanitarian aid and relief