Deforestation in the Amazon fell 23% between August 2011 and July 2012 in comparison with the previous 12 months. The data released today (2) by the Ministry of the Environment show that 2,040 square kilometers were deforested in the last 12 months. Thus, nearly 700 square kilometers were spared in the comparison between the evaluated periods.

The Real Time Monitoring System (Deter), coordinated by the National Institute for Space Research (Inpe) showed that, except for the state of Roraima, all states in the region have maintained or reduced the rate of local deforestation. Maranhão was the state which had the largest fall in deforestation (67%), followed by Amazon with 45% less destroyed areas, and Acre and Pará, where the falling of trees decreased by 42% in each state.

For the Minister Izabella Teixeira, the numbers show "the result of robust policies and monitoring strategies". Last year, Pará was responsible for almost 47% of deforestation.

08 August 2012