Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon rainforest has seen a remarkable decrease of nearly 46% over the past year, according to government satellite data.

This reduction marks the largest decline in deforestation since 2016, with 4,315 square kilometers cleared from August 2023 to July 2024, compared to 7,952 square kilometers during the previous period.

However, deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon increased in July for the first time in 15 months, with an area of 666 square kilometers destroyed, representing a 33% rise from the same month last year.

This spike in deforestation is partly attributed to a strike by public employees at the environmental agency IBAMA, which has hindered enforcement efforts.

In response to these challenges, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has pledged to achieve 'zero deforestation' by 2030, a significant commitment given the high levels of deforestation seen under his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro.

Cattle ranching continues to be identified as the leading driver of deforestation in the Amazon, necessitating stricter regulations and monitoring.

The rise in deforestation is closely linked to agricultural expansion and illegal mining activities in the region, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to address these issues.

At the same time, deforestation in Brazil's Cerrado savanna has increased by 9%, with 7,015 square kilometers of native vegetation lost, which is significantly more than the destruction seen in the Amazon.

The Amazon rainforest plays a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide and contains about 20% of the world's freshwater, making its preservation vital for global climate health.

To bolster enforcement against illegal activities, a new International Police Cooperation Center will be established in Manaus, involving collaboration among several South American countries and international organizations.

Experts emphasize the need for new protected areas, improved transparency in the cattle supply chain, and replanting of degraded pasture lands to further combat deforestation.