Brazilian State Government Concealed Information on Illegal Logging

04/13/2018 - 10h52

The government of Mato Grosso has failed to publish a report which estimates that 61.7% of the logging in the state occurs in restricted areas.

The study covers the period between June 2014 and October 2015. Compared to the previous study (2013/2014), the area of illegal logging grew 27%.

Most of this period refers to the current administration of Pedro Taques (PSDB), who took office in January 2015. This report has the most recent official data on illegal logging.

The report has been available on Sema's (State Environment Department) website since March 2017, but the government has failed to make such information known.

The official outlook is gloomier than a study by the Center of Life Institute (ICV), released in February.

The NGO calculated that 41% of logging in Mato Grosso, between August 2013 and July 2016, had taken place in restricted areas.

Between August 2014 and July 2015, a period similar to that covered in the government's study, ICV estimated 43% of illegal logging.

Sema's representatives stated the information was widely disseminated and that "transparency in the sharing of information is being improved and promoted every day".

	Fabiano Maisonnave - 12.dez.2016/Folhapress
	Aripuana Park, MT, Brazil

Translated by ANA BEATRIZ DEMARIA

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