Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Monday presented a new plan to combat illegal deforestation in the Amazon, one of his government’s priorities since returning to power.

“Brazil, in particular thanks to the Amazon forest, has a great importance in the climatic balance of the planet (…) preventing the deforestation of the Amazon is also helping to reduce global warming”, said declared Lula during a reception at the presidential palace in Brasilia.

The plan, which includes several hundred objectives, provides for example the immediate seizure of half of the illegally exploited areas inside protected areas. By 2027, three million hectares of these conservation areas will be demarcated.

In addition, he announces the hiring of thousands of analysts to strengthen surveillance, as well as the creation of an “Amazon label” to promote the sustainable economy.

This project marks the return of the environmental theme as a “priority, after four in indifference and abandonment”, welcomed Lula, on the occasion of World Environment Day.

The left-wing president, accompanied in particular by his Minister of the Environment Marina Silva, then referred to the mandate of the former far-right leader Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022), during which the average annual deforestation increased by 75 % compared to the previous decade.

The program resumes the one created in 2004 during the first presidency of Lula (2003-2006), but put on hold by Mr. Bolsonaro.

Back in power since January, Lula has made environmental protection one of his priorities, and wants to see Brazil become a global example by reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and ending deforestation. illegal by 2030.

The presentation of the plan, however, comes a week after the conservative Congress dealt several blows to the president and his agenda on the matter.

The Ministry of the Environment has seen its competences in the cadastre of rural lands – an essential lever for monitoring and combating illegal deforestation – and the management of water resources withdrawn by the deputies.

For the executive, these setbacks are a lesser evil that can avoid a complete restructuring of the team composed by Lula.

The government will keep the same priorities despite this step back, said Marina Silva to the press, assuring that everything would be done internally “so that the implementation (of the plan) is not compromised”.

06/06/2023 05:23:39 –         Brasilia (AFP) –         © 2023 AFP