The environment

Brazil has taken steps to reduce the level of deforestation in order to promote sustainable development of its forests. In 2004 deforestation reached 27,000 km², however monitoring and the creation of new protected areas, supported by the Plan for Prevention and Control of Deforestation in the Amazon, have been responsible for reducing deforestation to 6,400 km² in 2010. In addition a total of 122 Federal Conservation Units have been established since 2000.

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The government implanted the DETER system (Deforestation Detection in Real Time) during 2004 in order to monitor and quantify deforestation. The system uses satellite imagery and is coordinated by INPE (the National Institute for Space Research). This technology is being replicated in other developing countries that have similar problems with deforestation of their tropical forests.

Other programs, such as 'Bolsa Verde' - Green Allowance, encourage sustainability in Brazil. Through this program 14,737 families living in extreme poverty receive a quarterly allowance of R$ 300 in order to develop sustainable activities. The program assisted 14,737 families in 2011; the goal is to benefit 76,000 families by 2014.

 
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