Deforestation rates in the Amazon fell for the third consecutive time in a one-year period. Inpe data show a 90% reduction in deforestation between February and April 2009, when compared to the same time-span last year.
Although an increase in clouds over the Amazon region in both intervals may have somewhat hindered evaluations, the decrease in deforestation may have reached 60%. Minister Carlos Minc said on June 2 that these numbers represent a step closer to what he called "the lowest deforestation rate in the last 20 years".
In the lapse of one year, Brazilian Federal Police has arrested 244 people and is investigating over 500 cases involving deforestation in the region. Operation Arc of Fire alone apprehended 45 thousand cubic metres of timber, an equivalent to 2,200 truckloads, and closed down 516 sawmills.
Ibama numbers are also impressive, and involved 300 men in 18 operations: around 3 million reais in fines were applied; 55 trucks were apprehended, as well as 1,200 cubic metres of timber.
Redes Sociais