In August, Amazon deforestation alerts in Brazil dropped by 66%. The National Institute for Space Research (INPE) released the data.
The Ministry of Environment highlighted this on Amazon Day. Minister Marina Silva shared new plans for conserving the forest.
The Amazon region spans several Brazilian states. It makes up about 59% of Brazil’s total area.
The Atlantic Forest also saw less deforestation. It dropped 42% from January to May, and 79.7% in June. The Cerrado region is also improving, reversing an alarming trend.
“We’re pushing the curve downward,” Silva said. This success comes from working with state governments.
President Lula celebrated Amazon Day. He announced the recognition of two indigenous lands. New conservation areas will also get public land.
Silva stressed Brazil’s global role. Over 60% of the Amazon is in Brazil. She warned of the risks of not protecting it.
Starting in 2025, priority areas will get R$600 million from the Amazon Fund. Lula asked mayors to join in on these efforts.
The money will go to monitoring and land regulation. It will also support green production. These steps align with a three-month-old Action Plan.
Lula called on rich countries to invest in climate change. He wants them to give at least US$100 billion per year.
In two years, a UN climate meeting will take place in the Amazon. “The Amazon will finally get to speak,” Lula said.
A Commission on Chemical Safety was also reinstated. It aims to manage chemicals safely. The Ministry of Environment will coordinate it.