Amazon deforestation fines rise 219%

The number of fines for logging and other infractions in the Amazon region increased by 219% in the first quarter of 2023, compared to the average for the same period from 2019 to 2022. Data are from the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Resources natural Renewables (IBAMA).

In addition to fines, seizures of goods and products related to environmental violations, which increased by 133%, and the number of property embargoes, which increased by 93%, over the same period. Ibama points out that these measures decapitalize offenders and prevent them from obtaining bank loans, as well as limiting the trade in illegal products.

If we look only at the operations conducted against the invaders of the Yanomami indigenous territory, located in the states of Amazonas and Roraima, since February 6 to today Ibama has destroyed 285 mining camps, eight aircraft, 23 boats, three tractors and 124 engines. Also seized were 21,000 liters of fuel, 22 tons of cassiterite ore, 5 kg of mercury, among other logistical support equipment for the illegal mining.

Across Brazil, the institute’s environmental ratings increased 78 percent from January to March of this year, compared with the same month-long range in the previous four years.

Ibama justifies that the increases in fines, the seizures of goods and products and the property embargoes have occurred due to the resumption of the attributions of the environmental agency of the federal government and the command of the fight against deforestation by the environmental area.