In an effort to combat ongoing destruction in the Amazon rainforest, Brazil has unveiled a plan to significantly increase selective logging over the next two years. The plan aims to expand logging to an area the size of Costa Rica, with the goal of conserving these vulnerable forest lands.
Forest concessions are being granted to companies under strict rules, allowing them to log up to six trees per hectare over a 30-year period. Protected species and older, seed-producing trees are off-limits, ensuring sustainable logging practices.
The Brazilian government hopes that by involving timber companies in overseeing the forest, illegal deforestation can be reduced. Studies have shown that deforestation rates in concession areas are notably lower than in non-concession areas.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva plans to extend this initiative to cover a vast area of public undesignated Amazon rainforest, equivalent to the size of Italy. A working group is currently evaluating which areas should be designated for conservation, Indigenous territories, or forest concessions.
The program, led by Brazil's Forest Service, is a collaboration with private institutions to promote sustainable activities in public forests. Funding for the project comes from the United Kingdom's International Climate Finance program.
While the plan has received support from some sectors, there are concerns about its feasibility. Some industry representatives have expressed skepticism, citing recent government actions that have created uncertainty in the timber industry.
Experts suggest that the 30-year period between timber harvests may not be sufficient for the recovery of certain valuable species. Additionally, the economic viability of the program in remote areas is questioned due to high transportation costs.
Despite these challenges, the forest management plan is seen as a step in the right direction to balance forest preservation with logging activities. Efforts are underway to address issues related to exports of endangered timber products to ensure compliance with international regulations.
