Brazil has unveiled its plan to protect the Amazon. Critics say it's not enough
CNN
The Brazilian government has presented a new official goal for fighting deforestation in the Amazon -- a first for the administration of President Jair Bolsonaro. But critics say it's hardly enough.
Retired army general and vice-president Hamilton Mourao published the Amazon Plan 2021/2022 on the Brazilian official gazette on Wednesday. It prioritizes for deforestation mitigation five of the nine states within the "Legal Amazon," itself equivalent to some 60% of Brazil's territory, and previews several changes in the way the federal government and the states comprising the basin handle the vast area. Among the policy changes, the plan describes strengthening and merging agencies that surveil and fight illegal activities related to environment and land usage. It also calls to regularize land ownership and bring new economic alternatives to the people living in the region, including promoting business development and expanding healthcare and educational infrastructure.More Related News