Brazil's Environmental Fines Reach Lowest Level since 1995

In the first year of the current government, number of fines fell 34%

The number of fines for environmental violations imposed by Ibama dropped 34% in 2019 compared with that recorded in 2018, to 9,745.

This is the lowest figure since 1995 when the country suffered the greatest deforestation measured in the historical series.

In terms of values, last year's fines totaled R$ 2.3 billion, which represents a drop of 43%, even taking into consideration inflation.

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Brazil environment minister, Ricardo Salles. (Foto: André Coelho/Folhapress) - Folhapress

Amazon deforestation broke decade records last year. The destruction of the forest reached 9,762 km², an increase of almost 30% compared with the previous year.

The number of fines has fallen in recent years, but not as high as in 2019.

When asked for an explanation, the Ministry of the Environment stated that Ibama's actions had been carried out normally. "There is no direction to the contrary," said the folder.

Historically, the number of fines paid by offenders is negligible.

Data from Ibama shows that only 3.4% of the assessments above R$ 50 thousand had been paid from 2000 to 2018.

Translated by Kiratiana Freelon

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