Brazil’s Defense Minister Reviews Operations in Amazon and Northeast Coast

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Minister of Defense, Fernando Azevedo e Silva, assessed yesterday, October 29th, the performance of the Armed Forces in the Amazon in an operation to guarantee law and order (GLO), which was named Verde Brasil (“Green Brazil”). According to the general, the military campaign in the region was completed with a significant reduction in the number of fires and the inspection of irregular activities in the region.

Between August and September, there was a 16 percent reduction in outbreaks, according to data from the National Institute for Space Research (INPE). From September to October, according to the latest figures from the current month, there was a further drop. “The number of fires begins to decrease, due to our actions as well. The year is still to end, but it tends to be below the historical average,” Azevedo said.

According to the maps shown in the balance, some outbreaks remain in localities, with more severe cases in the region of the city of Altamira, in Pará. The operation began on August 23rd and ended on October 24th, amidst internal and external controversy and criticism and reactions from the government. According to the minister, 1,407 fires were fought by land and 428 by air. The minister also provided data on the evolution of deforestation in recent months, noting that there was an increase in August.

Investigations were also opened to find out who was responsible, and suspect ranchers were arrested. Federal Police Commissioner Tiago Ferreira highlighted Operation Pacto do Fogo (“Fire Pact”), which was recently triggered and targeted four businessmen and landowners. “We seized business equipment from four targets, which are being analyzed. Based on it [analysis] we will be able to determine if there are other people involved and, from there, broaden the line of investigation,” the delegate said.

In addition to the investigations and the fight against the outbreaks, Azevedo e Silva provided figures related to the inspection of environmental crimes in the region, such as unauthorized logging and mining. The military issued 352 terms of infraction, which resulted in R$141 million in fines. The actions seized 23 million cubic meters (m3) of illegally harvested timber and dismantled 45 illegal camps.

Oil slicks

The Minister of Defense also addressed the operations to fight oil slicks in the Northeast. He reiterated the actions of the Armed Forces and federal entities in partnership with state and municipal authorities. According to Azevedo, by yesterday, October 29th, the government recorded 254 affected locations. On Tuesday, there were still 19 beaches affected by oil slicks.

The Navy operational commander, Leonardo Puntel, confirmed the concern of displacement of slicks to the south of Bahia, at risk of reaching the nature sanctuary of Abrolhos, and to Espírito Santo. He argued that monitoring is difficult, as the oil travels beneath the ocean surface, only rising when it comes into contact with breaking waves.

In relation to the investigations, Puntel recalled the data provided last Saturday, October 26th, that the government is investigating 30 ships from 11 countries and has notified companies and governments in order to provide clarifications. The Navy also aims to identify the so-called “dark ships” that have turned off their GPS localizers. “It is not an easy investigation. It is 500 kilometers off the northeastern coast, a rectangular area, and many ships have traveled there,” he said.

Questioned by journalists, Fernando Azevedo e Silva denied that the government had taken a long time to act, and stressed that, since September 2nd, teams of government officials have been assigned to work in the fight against the slicks. “The government has been acting since September 2nd. We are improving the procedures, in coordination with the federal, state and municipal areas,” he said.

Source: Agência Brasil