December 22, 2021

12:12

Victória Sales – Cenarium Magazine

MANAUS – With the arrival of the Amazon winter and the intensification of rainfall, the illegal fires in the Amazon had a reduction of 1,418 focuses of fire in November, according to data released by the National Institute for Space Research (Inpe), on the 9th of this month. According to the environmentalist, Carlos Durigan, the coming of the natural phenomenon helped to control the fires in the whole region.

Durigan also points out that it is necessary to keep an eye on the reduction of forest fires and illegal deforestation in this region. “We should be alert, because the reduction in the number of fires is not necessarily related to a decrease in deforestation, and this requires redoubled attention from the command and control agencies”, he explained.

Still, according to the environmentalist, the heaviest rains generally start in November and extend until May/June, but regions, such as Roraima, enter periods of drought precisely during this period. “However, if there are no control actions, even more so in a scenario of weakening of policies to combat environmental crimes in the region, even in the rainiest months criminal fires can occur, when the rains give a truce”, he reported.

Read more: Experts criticize Bolsonaro after lie about forest fires in the Amazon

Burnings in November

In November, 11,596 hotspots were recorded, the lowest number for the same period since 2018, when the Inpe system identified 13,014 fires. According to the Minister of the Environment, Joaquim Leite, working together is the main tool to fight these fires and other environmental crimes. The portfolio received an increase of R$270 million in the 2021 budget.

“This integration between the National Force, environmental agencies, states and municipalities is fundamental for us to be able to face this great challenge, which is the fires. It is also important to highlight that the federal government is honoring its commitment to the defense of the environment and is investing in the reinforcement of inspection against environmental crimes”, highlights Leite.

The money received was used to purchase equipment, vehicles and navigation systems. The money is being used to purchase equipment, vehicles and navigation systems. “The hiring of these 739 new employees is in line with President Bolsonaro’s determination to strengthen the environmental inspection agencies. With this action, we reiterate the federal government’s commitment to work in an integrated manner to eliminate illegal deforestation, with the full and prompt application of our Forest Code”, reported the minister.