Brazil’s Environment Minister Ricardo Salles is reportedly seeking around USD 1 billion in foreign from countries including the United States, to curb the deforestation rates in Amazon by 40%.
According to Salles, the country would be able to effectively fight deforestation in the world’s largest rainforests if adequate resources were available. He added that approximately one-third of the foreign aid would be used directly to counter deforestation.
The remaining funds would likely be used for Brazil’s economic development, offering locals who have benefitted from Amazon’s resources alternative opportunities. Salles confirmed that he is seeking foreign aid from the United States as well as Norway.
It is worth mentioning that Brazil has been significantly criticized for failing to minimize deforestation in the Amazon.
President Jair Bolsonaro, on the other hand, intends to exploit the economic resources of the rainforest instead of protecting it. The far-right President has also allotted troops to handle any concerning issues with little success, cited sources close to the matter.
Although the focus is currently on reducing Amazon’s deforestation rates, the military would continue to be in charge. In this context, Salles stated that it is relatively cheaper to pay off the daily wages as compared to hiring full-time staff at the environmental agency in Ibama (Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources).
Sources confirmed that Ibama’s environmental agency has suffered substantial budget cuts under the administration of President Bolsonaro.
If failed to receive the apparent foreign aid, Salles added that Brazil will continue to do the best with the prevailing resources, although there is no assurance if the deforestation rates would be lowered.
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