Brazilian authorities say the Amazon deforestation rate, which has climbed relentlessly in recent years, should show a significant decline during Aug. 2004 through July 2005, once official figures for the one-year reporting period are finalized. Officials, basing their claim on recent satellite images, say the slowing rate is the result of government forest-protection measures implemented last year. (See “Brazil launches Amazon forest-protection steps,”—EcoAméricas, April 2004.) Green groups applaud the announcement, made Aug. 25 by Environment Minister Marina Silva. But they express concern that any slowing in the deforestation rate is likely the result—at least in part—of short-term economic factors and, as such, doesn’t necessarily point to a sustained, downward trend in illegal clearing of Amazon land. In making... [Log in to read more]
