Deforestation warnings in the Brazilian Amazon decline by 33.6% in the first half of 2023

Deforestation alerts in the Brazilian Amazon have seen a significant decrease of 33.6% during the first half of this year compared to the same period in 2022, according to data from the National Institute of Space Research (Inpe).

The alerts, recorded through the Deter system, indicate a total of 2,649 square kilometers of deforestation in the Amazon region between January and June.

This marks the lowest level since 2019 and is lower than the 3,988 square kilometers observed in the same period last year.

The state of Amazonas, Brazil’s largest state, experienced a notable reduction of 55.2% in deforestation rates, reversing the previous trend of high rates.

On the other hand, Mato Grosso recorded the largest increase, with a rise of 34% and a total loss of 905 square kilometers.

However, in the Cerrado, one of Brazil’s main biomes, deforestation alerts increased by 21% during the first half of the year, reaching 4,408 square kilometers.

This is the highest level since 2018 and higher than the 3,638 square kilometers reported in the same period last year.

Around 50% of the deforestation alerts during this period were concentrated in 26 municipalities.

Bahia has the highest number of municipalities with alerts (10), followed by Tocantins (5), Maranhão (5), and Piauí (4).

The Brazilian government highlights the achievements made by the state of Amazonas as an example of progress, considering its previous high deforestation rates.

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