Brazil has opened a new fund to halt deforestation and finance
sustainable development in the Amazon, seeking $21 billion from
developed countries over the next 13 years. Brazil's President Luiz
Inacio Lula da Silva launched the fund last week with the announcement
of an initial $100 million commitment from Norway.
In a speech in Rio de Janeiro, Lula acknowledged the global
significance of the Amazon rainforests and the need to reduce its
deforestation. But the President has long made it clear that if the
rainforest is to be saved, rich countries have to help pay the cost of
depriving forest communities and businesses from its economic
resources.
The Brazilian government is seeking donors in industrialised countries
from among governments, aid organisations and private companies.
Strategic Affairs minister Roberto Mangabeira Unger warned, however,
that donor funding would not buy influence over government policy in
the Amazon.
The fund will be administered by the country’s National Development
Bank (BNDES). It will bankroll conservation, research, sustainable
forestry activities but programmes will not be based on the payment of
carbon credits for avoided deforestation, as envisaged under the
emerging international
REDD process.
Deforestation is calculated to be responsible for around 20 per cent of
all human-related greenhouse gas emissions. After declining in recent
years, the rate of forest clearing is estimated to have increased to
13,000 square kilometers over the 12 months to July this year.
The Brazilian government has stepped up policing of illegal logging and
clearing in the Amazon this year, but has also given the green light to
new development in the region, including the construction of two dams
for hydroelectricity. This prompted the resignation of the former
environment minister Marina Silva in May.
Reuters, Bloomberg 1/8/08
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