Amazon conservation policy takes strides forward: Brazilian government reduces deforestation by 30%

The government led by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva recently announced significant progress in protecting the Amazon forest. Annual deforestation rates in the Amazon have dropped to their lowest level in nearly a decade, according to new data, marking an important milestone in protecting nature.

The Brazilian National Institute for Space Research (INPE) reported that in the year starting from August 2023, the deforestation area of the Amazon forest decreased by 30.6%, with only 6,288 square kilometers (approximately 2,427 square miles) cleared, the lowest amount of deforestation since 2014. INPE Director Gilvan Oliveira said that this figure shows Brazil’s remarkable achievements in forest protection and symbolizes new hope for climate action.

Brazilian Environment Minister Marina Silva praised the achievement, calling it a "significant reduction" and noting that the result supports Brazil's carbon reduction goals and is in line with national and international climate commitments. Silva further emphasized that forest protection is crucial to global climate stability, especially the irreplaceable role of the Amazon rainforest, a global carbon pool. This announcement coincides with the Brazilian delegation’s upcoming attendance at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, providing a platform for Brazil to showcase its results at international climate conferences.

Amazon and Cerrado: important ecological areas achieved significant reduction

Not only has the deforestation rate of the Amazon rainforest dropped significantly, but significant conservation results have also been achieved in the Cerrado savanna in central Brazil. The Cerrado is the most biodiverse grassland in the world, with vast areas and unique ecosystems. According to the report, deforestation in the region decreased by 25.7%, saving 8,174 square kilometers of natural area. The Brazilian government emphasizes that the Cerrado’s conservation achievements demonstrate its broad commitment to ecological protection in the region and that the region is critical to carbon sequestration and climate stability.

Long-term challenges and policy comparisons

This environmental achievement of President Lula is in sharp contrast to the policies of former President Jair Bolsonaro during his tenure. Brazil's deforestation rate increased significantly during Bolsonaro's administration, surging 75% above the average of the previous decade due to support for agriculture and logging. Since taking office, President Lula has actively promoted forest protection and emphasized the need to completely eradicate illegal logging by 2030. This commitment has received great attention and support from the international community.

The urgency of protecting Amazon forests: key to tackling the global climate crisis

The Amazon rainforest covers about 40% of South America and is of great significance to the global carbon balance. However, over the past century, the Amazon has continued to face pressure from agriculture, livestock, logging, mining, and urban expansion, resulting in the loss of approximately 20% of its original forest. Scientists warn that if deforestation is not controlled, the Amazon could lose its ability to absorb carbon dioxide and instead transform into a net carbon emitter, with devastating consequences for global climate change.

The Brazilian government stated in this regard that it will continue to work hard to protect the Amazon ecology, and at the same time promote a number of policies at home and abroad to support indigenous peoples and local communities in participating in forest protection, and to improve forest supervision and management. As global attention to ecological protection increases, Brazil plans to strengthen cooperation with the international community to ensure that the future of the Amazon strikes a balance between protection and sustainable use. In particular, the protection achievements of the Amazon and Cerrado demonstrate their active role in climate change action. Brazil's future environmental policy direction will receive close attention from the international community at the upcoming climate change conference.