Brasília - The President of the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama), Marcus Barros, informed that the Brazilian government has already allocated US$ 14.2 million (R$ 42 million) on activities to combat deforestation. "The first big action, in the south of Amazônia, enjoys the support of the Armed Forces, which have already begun to act in critical areas." According to Barros, the operation will be permanent and will embrace other areas. Together with directors and executive managers of the institution, he participated in the IV National Meeting of Ibama Directors, in Serra do Cipó, 100 kilometers from Belo Horizonte.

Another objective of the meeting was to determine a consensus for Ibama's planning and strategies. The agenda of debate also included the question of licensing for forests and conservation units.

Besides the projects in the Amazon, special operations will be carried out to combat charcoal combustion throughout Brazil. "Deforestation is a 20th century legacy that Ibama has the duty to combat," Barros affirmed.

Agência Brasil
Reporters: Bianca Estrella and Danielle Gurgel
Translator: David Silberstein
08/26/2004