Deforestation in Brazil’s savannahs has reached its highest level since 2015, according to data from a report released on Wednesday by the country’s Environment Ministry.
From August 2022 to July 2023, the Cerrado region lost 11,011 km2 of indigenous vegetation, according to the report. This represents a 3.0% increase over the corresponding period in the previous year, when the figure stood at 10,688 Km2.
This year's loss is equivalent to more than 90% of Belgium's land area.
Despite recent reductions in deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon, the trend in the Cerrado is moving in the opposite direction.
“The Cerrado is known for its incredible biodiversity, yet it remains one of the most endangered areas,” says Roberto Maldonado of environmental organisation World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
He warns that the accelerating devastation could soon cause alarming consequences for agriculture and water supplies for the population.
