Brazil steps up Amazon security
2008-01-25 13:52
Sao Paulo - Brazil will combat rising deforestation in the Amazon by sending extra federal police and environmental agents to areas where illegal clearing of the rain forest jumped dramatically last year, officials said on Thursday.
Authorities will monitor the areas where the deforestation occurred in an attempt to prevent anyone from trying to plant crops or raise cattle there, said Environment Minister Marina Silva.
The measures were announced after President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called an emergency meeting of cabinet ministers to stop the deforestation after new data showing an apparent reverse of a three-year decline that Silva has repeatedly praised.
The clearing of Brazil's Amazon rain forest jumped in the final months of 2007, spurred by heavy market demand for corn, soy and cattle.
The 36 areas being targeted registered the highest rates of deforestation, environmental officials said.
- AP