"Brazil, especially thanks to the Amazon rainforest, has great importance in the climate balance of the planet (...) preventing deforestation in the Amazon also means helping to reduce global warming," Lula said at a reception at the presidential palace in Brasilia.
The plan, which includes several hundred objectives, provides for the immediate seizure of half of the illegally exploited areas within protected areas. By 2027, three million hectares of these conservation areas will be delineated.
In addition, it announces the hiring of thousands of analysts to strengthen surveillance, as well as the creation of an "Amazon label" to promote the sustainable economy.
This project marks the return of the environmental theme as a "priority, after four in indifference and abandonment", Lula welcomed on the occasion of World Environment Day.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Environment Minister Marina Silva present their new plan against deforestation in the Amazon, June 5, 2023 in Brasilia © EVARISTO SA / AFP
The leftist president, accompanied in particular by his Minister of the Environment Marina Silva, was referring to the mandate of former far-right leader Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022), during which average annual deforestation has increased by 75% compared to the previous decade.
The program resumes the one created in 2004 during Lula's first presidency (2003-2006), but put on hold by Mr. Bolsonaro.
Back in power since January, Lula has made environmental protection one of his priorities, and wants to see Brazil become a global example by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ending illegal deforestation by 2030.
The presentation of the plan, however, comes a week after the conservative Congress dealt several blows to the president and his agenda in this area.
The Ministry of the Environment has been stripped by MPs of its powers in terms of rural land cadastre - an essential lever to monitor and combat illegal deforestation - and the management of water resources.
The Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve, in the Brazilian Amazon, located right next to the Cidade de Deus neighborhood in Manaus, June 5, 2023 © MICHAEL DANTAS / AFP
For the executive, these setbacks are a lesser evil that can avoid a complete restructuring of the team composed by Lula.
The government will keep the same priorities despite this step backwards, Marina Silva told the press, assuring that everything would be done internally "so that the implementation (of the plan) is not compromised".
© 2023 AFP