Groups propose measures to end Amazon deforestation
BRASILIA (AFP) — Environmental groups on Wednesday gave the Brazilian government a seven-year plan aimed at putting an end to deforestation in the Amazon rain forest.
"It is necessary to immediately halt the deforestation of the Amazon region," said Paulo Adario, a coordinator for Greenpeace, one of nine non-governmental organizations that presented the plan to the government.
"The climate of the planet and the natural diversity of the region cannot support the current rates of deforestation," he told AFP.
The seven-year plan calls for setting a fund with a budget of one billion reals (over 500 million dollars) a year that would be used to combat deforestation and maintain the way of life of those living in the rain forest.
The Brazilian government would be responsible for providing 76 percent of the funds, with the rest coming from sources outside the country.
Environmental Protection Minister Marina Silva, who received the proposal during a ceremony in Congress, said the government will study the project.
About 17 percent of the Amazon forest has been destroyed, according to data released last year.
Brazil is the fourth largest source of greenhouse gases blamed for global warming in the world.
