On Thursday (January 14), an operation in the Caatinga closed seven factories located in the municipality of Araripe (PE). They've been using, as charcoal, wood removed illegally from the biome for the production of gypsum.
Promoted by the Ministry of the Environment (MMA) along with Ibama and the Military Police, among other institutions, the operation was attended by the minister Carlos Minc. "Anyone that contributes to the deforestation in the Caatinga will have to replant, one by one, the native trees that were destroyed. The Caatinga will not turn into charcoal", he said.
The Special Adviser to the MMA, José Maurício Padrone, participated in the operation and said that this is not the first time that these factories in Araripe are caught committing environmental crimes. In 2007, 56 companies were embargoed for using illegal wood. But they were allowed to return to work after signing a Conduct Adjustment Term (in Portuguese, Termo de Ajustamento de Conduta - TAC).
Minc recognized the economic importance of the plaster industry in Araripe, responsible for 95% of the national production of gypsum. But he stressed the importance of sustainability in the production. "We want to develop economic activities but prevent them from destroying the Caatinga", said the minister.
He explained that he doesn't want to stop the activity in the region, but adapt it, ensuring sustainable development. Minc said that 70% of the companies from the plaster industry in Araripe work legally, using wood from forest management plans.
Redes Sociais