Norway gives 17 million euros to protect the Amazon
OSLO (AFP) — Norway said Tuesday it would donate 130 million kroner (17 million euros, 24 million dollars) to help protect the Amazon rainforest, the deforestation of which is leading to rising greenhouse gas emissions.
Norwegian Environment and Development Aid Minister Erik Solheim announced the donation, to be paid over three years, following talks in Oslo with his Brazilian counterpart Marina Silva.
"The felling and burning of tropical forests is a significant cause of greenhouse gases," Solheim said in a statement.
"The actions necessary to put an end to deforestation will be an important theme during the upcoming climate talks in Bali in December," he added.
Deforestation currently accounts for 20 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions.
The Bali conference, to be held from December 3 to 14, is tasked with setting a negotiation roadmap for a new deal on deepening emissions cuts when commitments run out under the Kyoto Protocol in 2012.
Norway will contribute 60 million kroner to two projects run by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and an additional 70 million kroner to a special rain forest fund.
According to Brazilian authorities, 27,429 square kilometers of Amazon rain forest were destroyed between August 2003 and July 2004.
Between August 2006 and July 2007, after the government adopted measures to protect the forest, the rate of deforestation slowed to 9,600 square kilometers.
