RIO DE JANEIRO: Deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon fell 66.11% in August to its lowest level for the month since 2018, Environment Minister Marina Silva says, a significant mark for its environmental policy as destruction often spikes this time of year.

       Satellite data from the Brazilian space research agency INPE indicated that 563 square km of rainforest were cleared in the month, a 66.1% drop from the same period a year ago.

       In the first eight months of the year, INPE’s figures showed that deforestation had fallen by a cumulative 48% from the same period in 2022.

       The data give President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva reasons to cheer, as he has promised to end deforestation in the region by 2030 after destruction surged under his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, who slashed environmental protection efforts.

       Earlier, Lula celebrated the decline and said on social media that it was a “result of the great work of the Environment Ministry and the federal government”.

       Some experts feared the significant drop of more than 40% in deforestation seen in the first seven months of Lula’s administration could have been put at risk by higher destruction in August and September when the weather turns drier.

       Initial signs, however, indicate that those concerns did not materialise.

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       Deforestation in the Amazon causes the loss of many species and their habitats, negatively impacts indigenous people and their health, causes fires, an increase in carbon dioxide emissions, soil erosion, flooding, desertification, pollution of rivers and lands, and negatively alters water cycles around the world.

       Brazil last month hosted a major rainforest summit, where eight Amazon nations agreed to a list of unified environmental policies and measures to bolster regional cooperation but failed to agree on a common goal for ending deforestation.

       Lula has staked his international reputation on improving Brazil’s environmental standing.

       On Tuesday, he signed the demarcation of two new Indigenous lands as part of his efforts to reverse some policies put in place by Bolsonaro, who halted land recognition while in office.

       The recognition of the two Indigenous reservations grants them legal protection against invasions by illegal loggers, gold miners and cattle ranchers.

       “We are experiencing a new moment, with more assertive policies and greater political will in favour of the Amazon,” World Wildlife Federation-Brasil director Mariana Napolitano said.

       But more is still needed, including traceability and transparency in the trade of livestock, gold and other commodities, she added. — Reuters