Brazil: Amazon Deforestation Reduced by 30%

Various measures to protect the Amazon forest, vast green lungs divided between Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and other South American countries, are yielding results. Despite the severe fires in 2024, Amazon deforestation rates are down 30% from last year, the best result in 9 years.

This was stated by President Lula’s government, which has been at the forefront of trying to stop the loss of trees and ecosystems in the largest rainforest on the planet. According to the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), deforestation decreased by 30.6% in the 12 months from August 2023 to August 2024.

However, the lowest result in the last 9 years has led to loss of 6288 square kilometers of forest area, adding to the sad trend that has resulted in a loss of 20% of forest area in half a century. The reasons are to find places for agriculture and livestock, urban expansion and mining.

“We have achieved important results by reducing deforestation from 9064 square kilometers last year to 6288. This is something that is achieved through commitment and teamwork. What has made a difference is the action of territorial planning and the adoption of economic and regulatory instruments,” said Marina Silva, Brazil’s environment minister, as reported by Italian news agency ANSA.