Brazil Deploys Troops to Reduce Rainforest Destruction

160 elite Brazilian troops were sent to join with hundreds of police officers in the Amazon to combat illegal deforestation activity.

The move comes on the heels of clashes last week in the state of Para between local workers and environmentalists in Tailandia, a town with a population of around 67,000. During the quarrel, more than 2,000 protesters blocked roads and forced inspectors out of the town before their work was completed.

Tailandia was established 19 years ago. Since then, an estimated 60% of the area’s forest has been destroyed.

Brazilian authorities said they do not want further confrontations, but the operations against illegal logging will continue .

The decision to deploy the troops to Tailandia to support police and environmental inspectors indicates the determination of federal authorities to continue its efforts against illegal deforestation, which increased markedly during the second half of 2007.

With 160 timber yards in the area providing jobs for 2,000 to 3,000 people, the logging industry is a major employer in the region. However, it is thought that over 70% of wood felled in the area is of illegal origin according to BBC News reports. Over 530,000 cubic feet of wood has already been seized by authorities.

The clashes in Tailandia have been a stark reminder of the conflict between economic development and environmental protection, a conflict that has long defined the debate about the Amazon’s future.

Last month, the Brazilian government confirmed a significant rise in deforestation in the last five months of 2007, although the previous three years had shown a decline.

Government Ministers promised determined action against illegal logging, and committed to additional police, inspections, and fines. However, the conflict in Tailandia demonstrates that the new policy is not supported by everyone.

However, the Brazilian government said it is determined to press ahead with the latest crackdown, along with further inspections later this year along major routes used by loggers in the Amazon.

http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1270344/brazil_deploys_troops_to_reduce_rainforest_destruction/