Brazil is home to about two-thirds of the Amazon, the world’s largest rainforest which covers an area twice the size of India. It plays a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide and preserving the climate. Additionally, it holds about 20% of the world’s freshwater and is home to a diverse range of species, including at least 16,000 types of trees.
However, deforestation in Brazil’s Cerrado region, known as the world’s most biodiverse savannah, is a growing concern. The loss of native vegetation in the Cerrado amounts to 7,015 square kilometers, which is 63% of the Amazon that has been destroyed. The rapid expansion of soybean production in the Cerrado, driven by large-scale farming, threatens the region’s biodiversity.
To address deforestation, it is essential to create new protected areas both within and outside indigenous territories. Greater transparency is also needed to trace the origin of cattle in slaughterhouses, as cattle grazing is a major cause of Amazon deforestation. Additionally, efforts to reforest degraded pastures and enforce stricter regulations on financing deforestation are crucial.
Environment and Climate Change Minister Marina Silva emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to combat deforestation, combining law enforcement with support for sustainable production practices as part of the government’s plan for the future.
Source: www.nbcnews.com
