Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil is increasing rapidly since January, 2019.
It is a matter of global concern, and Brazil must recognise that the Amazon rainforest is a universal treasure.
How significant are the Amazon forests?
The Amazon basin, spread across millions of hectares in multiple countries, hosts massive sinks of sequestered carbon.
Significantly, the Amazon forests are a key factor in regulating monsoon systems.
The rainforests harbour rich biodiversity.
Moreover, about 400 known indigenous groups present there have prevented commercial interests from overrunning the lands.
Much of the Amazon has survived, despite relentless pressure to convert forests into farmlands, pastures and gold mines, and to build roads.
The legacy of the ecosystem and the indigenous groups are now under great threat.
What are the recent changes?
Deforestation - The new Brazilian President Mr. Bolsonaro has spoken in favour of “reasonable” exploitation of Amazon forestlands.
Although the forest code has not been changed, his comments have emboldened illegal expansion into forests.
Armed gold-hunting gangs have reached tribal areas and the leader of a tribe has been murdered in an incursion.
Satellite images show that about 4,200 sq km of forests have been destroyed up to July 24, 2019 under the new government (since January).
Brazil’s stance - Brazil is the custodian of forests in about 5 million sq km of Amazon land.
Given this, it has everything to gain by engaging with the international community on meeting the opportunity cost of leaving the Amazon undisturbed.
But Mr. Bolsonaro refused to host the annual convention of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2019 (but did not exit the Paris Agreement).
By doing so, he lost a valuable opportunity to seek higher funding for forest protection.
What shoud be done?
Most nations tend to view their land and forests through the narrow prism of short-term economic gain.
However, climate science data show that they play a larger environmental role.
Globally, there is tremendous momentum to save the Amazon forests.
So, Brazil must welcome initiatives such as the billion-dollar Amazon Fund backed by Norway and Germany, instead of trying to shut them down.
Remedial funding, accounting for the value of environmental services, is the most productive approach.
This is because forest removal has not helped agriculture everywhere due to soil and other factors.
In all, Brazil’s President must recognise that rainforests are universal treasures, and the rights of indigenous communities to their lands are inalienable.
The international community must use diplomacy in convincing Mr. Bolsonaro at this front.
Source: The Hindu
Quick Fact
Amazon Fund
The Amazon Fund was created in 2008 to receive donations for non-reimbursable investments.
The objective was to prevent, monitor, and combat deforestation, as well as to promote the preservation and sustainable use in the Brazilian Amazon.
It consists of money donated by Norway, the main donor, and Germany.
The fund holds US$850 million, and is managed by the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) of Brazil.
