The emergence of a new deforestation hotspot in Amazonia

Abstract

The Brazilian Amazon is facing a deforestation boom with potentially new deforestation hotspots emerging. We have identified one of these hotspots at the margins of the BR-319, where bidding notices for paving this highway were recently announced in spite of having legal permission for it. Approximately 90% of the direct influence zone of this highway is composed of pristine vegetation, still extremely well preserved. No environmental impact study on the effects of this paving has been conducted in the most preserved part of the highway. From July to September, 2020, period after the publishing of the bidding notices, deforestation alerts and active fires have increased significantly in its direct influence zone. This suggests the absence of a clear strategy for the sustainable development and conservation of the Brazilian Amazon. Resuming and improving actions that significantly decreased deforestation and hold to account actors opposing environmental obligations is urgently needed.

Keywords

• Environment
• Conservation threat
• Amazon
• Road paving
• Policy