In an exclusive interview with CNN, Environment Minister Joaquim Leite described the strategies planned by the federal government to eliminate illegal deforestation in Brazilian forests, mainly in the Amazon. One of the actions, according to Leite, is to intensify the joint action of the Ministries of Environment, Justice and Regional Development.
The minister also highlighted the launch of the Floresta Mais program, which plans to remunerate those who work in the preservation and restoration of forests.
“It is a payment for environmental services program. What does it mean? Create a market for environmental services. It will likely be the largest market in the world for environmental services. It is for you to remunerate those who take care of the forest”, he stated. With that, the government foresees the creation of jobs as brigade, park ranger and forest guard, among others.
“They will act directly in some regions. Some, protecting the native forest that is already in the territory, others, restoring. Restoration will be very important in this process for generating carbon credits from native vegetation”, he pointed out.
The carbon credit market, voted on by consensus at COP26 (26th United Nations Climate Conference), is also a bet for the minister. Leite believes that Brazil will be able to export credits and, therefore, carry out a sustainable and fair economic transition.
“The carbon market that was agreed upon by consensus at COP26 is another alternative for us to grow in a way that reduces emissions. Projects based on conservation of native forest or restoration of native forest area, pulp and ethanol sectors can already bet on this new market.”
Commenting on the plans to expand the joint action of government agencies in combating deforestation, Joaquim Leite highlighted the collaboration of the Federal Police with inspection agencies already present in the Amazon.
“Along with the crime of illegal deforestation, other crimes often happen, and the Federal Police will act together with the Ministry of Justice. It will be Ibama, ICMBio, the National Force and the Federal Police, which will act decisively to eliminate illegal deforestation in the Amazon”. Leite added that cooperation between the ministries is what “will bring a solution for us to eliminate illegal deforestation in Brazil, especially in the Amazon.”
The minister also criticized the posture of the most developed and polluting countries at COP26. Leite spoke of “frustration” not only in Brazil, but in all developing countries in relation to the resources promised by the richest.
“Developed countries, the biggest polluters, did not prepare for the 2021 Climate Conference and did not come with the promised resources in 2020. We are already in 2021 and they are postponing these resources to 2024. I think this is a frustration” , he stated. “There is not going to be a fair transition without resources and technology.”
Reference: CNN Brasil
