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Illegal Deforestation Constitutes 91% of Amazon Clearance in 2023-2024

A report by the Center of Life Institute reveals that 91% of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon from August 2023 to July 2024 was illegal. In the Cerrado, unauthorized clearing reached 51%. The findings underline significant issues in enforcement and the need for transparency in deforestation permits to address the ongoing environmental crisis.

A recent report reveals that an alarming 91% of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon from August 2023 to July 2024 was conducted illegally. Conducted by the NGO Center of Life Institute (ICV), the analysis indicated that similar unauthorized clearing in the Cerrado region reached 51%. Brazilian law permits certain legal deforestation for economic activities, yet this report highlights the prevalence of illegal practices amidst weak enforcement mechanisms.

Landowners in the Amazon are allowed to clear 20% of their property for economically productive uses, while the Cerrado permits up to 80%. However, ICV’s findings reveal that a significant portion of deforestation was not reported, denoting extensive illegal activity. Vinicius Salgueiro from ICV emphasized that the challenge remains formidable in addressing this issue in Brazil’s vital biomes.

Stronger law enforcement is essential; however, it must be accompanied by financial disincentives to discourage illegal deforestation, according to Salgueiro. ICV’s research used satellite alerts from Brazil’s space agency, cross-referenced with national and state permit databases, to determine the legality of the deforestation, revealing that only 9% in the Amazon had permits.

Moreover, the study indicated that only half of the 16 states in these regions properly align deforestation permit information with federal databases, complicating efforts to monitor legal deforestation. Marcondes Coelho, ICV’s climate justice program coordinator, pointed out that illegal deforestation flourishes due to a lack of transparency and an ineffective permit system, creating opportunities for fraud.

Suely Araújo, from Brazil’s Climate Observatory, noted that illegality has long characterized Amazon deforestation, exacerbated by organized crime. She advocated for stricter permitting processes and policies that promote sustainable production in deforested areas, asserting that currently authorized deforestation in the Cerrado is often problematic despite being legally sanctioned.

The report emphasizes the pervasive nature of illegal deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon and Cerrado, highlighting systemic issues related to transparency and enforcement. With the vast majority of deforestation occurring without permits, it calls for urgent reform in environmental regulations. Strengthening compliance measures alongside incentivizing ethical practices is essential to safeguard these critical ecosystems.

Original Source: news.mongabay.com

Amelia Caldwell

Amelia Caldwell is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience reporting on social justice issues and investigative news. An award-winning writer, she began her career at a small local newspaper before moving on to work for several major news outlets. Amelia has a knack for uncovering hidden truths and telling compelling stories that challenge the status quo. Her passion for human rights activism informs her work, making her a respected voice in the field.

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