Promising development in the lungs of the world

Illegal logging and deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest fell by 33.6% in the first 6 months of the year.

According to new data published by the Ministry of the Environment, “deforestation” in the country’s Amazon has been significantly reduced in the first half of 2023. Indicating that 2,649 square kilometers of surface area were deforested in Brazil between January and June of this year, the ministry said this figure decreased by 33.6 percent compared to the first 6 months of last year.

Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE) revealed that deforestation has decreased, according to data measured by its satellites.

LULA’S EXPLANATION

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who vowed to protect the Amazon rainforest after winning presidential elections, said the government’s goal for 2030 is zero deforestation.

Noting that the government had a positive fight against illegal logging in the first 6 months, Environment Minister Marina Silva said: “This result is the result of Lula’s fight against deforestation and climate change during the campaign and from the first day of the government.” Emphasizing that the protection of Amazon forests has become more difficult compared to 20 years ago, Silva said that the activities of organized crime groups have increased.

Known as the largest tropical forests in the world, the Amazon was subject to severe deforestation, breaking records every year under the far-right previous president, Jair Bolsonaro.

Lula da Silva said that during the 4 years of Bolsonaro’s government, deforestation increased by 73 percent in the Amazon and that 13,000 square kilometers had been deforested. (AA)