Deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon region drops nearly 34% in Lula's first 6 months

By Sinan Dogan

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon region dropped by 33.7% during the first six months of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s term, according to newly released data from the country's environment ministry.

The significant change came after Lula pledged during his presidential campaign to eliminate deforestation in the Amazon by 2030.

Data from the environment ministry shows that 2,650 square kilometers (1,023 square miles) of area was deforested between January and June this year, down from 4,000 square kilometers during the same period last year.

Environment Minister Marina Silva said at a press briefing that the drop in deforestation was the result of the Lula government's efforts.

"We are making every effort to ensure that (our anti-deforestation plan) is already in full swing. This is the result of our emergency efforts," Silva said.

The Amazon, the Earth's largest rainforest, was subjected to serious deforestation under the administration of former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro.