Brazil aims to establish a global police center in the Amazon by late 2023 to combat environmental crimes and drug trafficking.
Eight Amazon countries will join in. These are Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
The project is led by Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. He aims to rebuild Brazil’s green reputation.
The cost to start the hub is R$9 million (US$1.83 million). Each year will need a budget of R$7 million.
Valdecy Urquiza heads the division that handles global police teamwork. Urquiza says the center will make policing more efficient.
It will tackle issues like illegal logging and smuggling of gold and animals.
Humberto Freire leads another related police division. Freire states that fighting drug trade is another key goal.
Criminals often cross borders to escape capture. Urquiza suggests the hub could also help Europe and the U.S.
These places are main destinations for illegal goods from the Amazon. Interpol, Europol, and Ameripol may also join the project.
Background
The Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest and spans multiple countries. For years, it has been a hotspot for environmental and criminal issues.
Logging, drug trade, and smuggling have plagued the region. Various nations have tried individual efforts to control these problems.
Yet, they haven’t succeeded due to the vast forest size.
President da Silva’s initiative marks a turning point. Under Bolsonaro, deforestation rates spiked significantly.
International groups criticized Brazil for harming the global climate. The Amazon serves as a crucial “carbon sink,” absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide.
The new security hub aims to be a game-changer. By uniting eight nations in the effort, the project hopes for better results.
The initiative also welcomes cooperation from international policing groups.
This multi-country, multi-agency approach could be a new model for environmental protection.