Deforestation rates in the Amazon fell by 21.8 percent from July to August 2011 as a result of enforcement efforts and monitoring initiatives by the Brazilian government. Data released by the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) show an estimated 163.8 square kilometers of forests cleared during this period, down from 224.9 square kilometers in July 2011.

INPE figures show a 38.2 percent year-on-year decrease in deforestation rates compared to August 2010 and a 67.1 percent decrease compared to August 2009 rates.

Brazil's strategy to tackle deforestation in the Amazon is strengthened by INPE's near real-time satellite monitoring of forest regions to improve the accuracy of alerts for field operations. The government also works to support the expansion of sustainable activities in the region.

From January to August 2011, enforcement activities administered by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Natural Renewable Resources (IBAMA) resulted in the suspended titles for 72,490 hectares of land, the closing of 55 sawmills and the seizing of 61,000 cubic meters of wood and 353 trucks and tractors.

Source: 

Ministry of Environment