Brazil Planning to curb Deforestation by 70%

Published 12/1/2008 8:55:59 AM by staff from theecoistabode

The worldwide outcry about the deforestation of the Amazon Rainforest has finally spurred the Brazilian government to action. Brazil has announced a plan under which it would cut deforestation of the Amazon Rainforest by 70% over the next 10 years. It is the first time Brazil, home to the largest area of tropical woodland on the planet, has set a target for reducing the damage wreaked by illegal loggers and ranchers.

Environment Minister Carlos Minc unveiled the initiative in the presence of Brazilian President da Silva and said it would be formally presented to a UN climate change conference this week in Poland.

"Just in terms of avoided deforestation in the Amazon, the plan foresees a reduction of 4.8 billion tons of carbon dioxide that won't be emitted up to 2018, which is more than the reduction efforts fixed by all the rich countries," Minc said.

The minister said the country hopes to use the plan to "increase the number of contributors to the Amazon Fund" launched last August which aims to collect money from around the world to fight deforestation.