09/11/2023
Once again, measures that threaten to weaken the fight against degradation in the Atlantic Forest are on the horizon.
Just five months ago, the President of Brazil vetoed a provisional measure that would have weakened efforts to combat deforestation in the Atlantic Forest. Now, it falls to the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate to decide whether to uphold or overturn the veto.
It is always essential to emphasize the importance of preserving one of Brazil's most threatened biomes. Despite losing more than 93% of its vegetation cover, the Atlantic Forest is still responsible for producing a significant portion of the food consumed in Brazil.
According to data from the 2017 Agricultural Census by IBGE, the Atlantic Forest is responsible for:
52% of the production of food crops for direct consumption (except for corn, soy, and sugarcane).
30% of the production of non-food plant resources (fibers, latex and cotton).
43% of the production of soy, corn and sugarcane, which are crops used for direct and indirect human consumption (animal feed) and energy.
56% of animal-based food production.
90% of robusta coffee, 90% of black beans, 76% of oats, 68% of table tomatoes, 97% of apples, 63% of eggs, 63% of bananas, 61% of onions, 54% of potatoes, 88% of broccoli and 86% of chayotes.
To meet the demand for food, the biome has been subjected to centuries of deforestation, the depletion of its productive capacity and the opening of new areas. Today, the Atlantic Forest is the most devastated biome in the country, with only 12.4% of mature and well-preserved forests remaining.
These data serve as a stark reminder that the livelihoods and food security of many people are at stake. We must persevere in our efforts to protect what remains of the Atlantic Forest! 🌳
Brazil, we are with you towards a path with less degradation. 💧
[Link to article for Portuguese-speaking readers: https://lnkd.in/djjdtYJS]
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