Operation aimed at protecting the Atlantic forest begins in 17 states

Held annually, Brazil’s largest initiative to combat deforestation in the Atlantic forest began on Monday (Sep. 16) across 17 states. Called Operation Mata Atlântica em Pé (“Operation Standing Atlantic Forest”), the campaign is coordinated by the Minas Gerais prosecutors and Abrampa, an association of prosecutors for the environment.

The operation takes places simultaneously in all seventeen states where the biome is found. First, deforested areas are surveyed based on information from nonprofits SOS Mata Atlântica Foundation and Mapbiomas Alerta. Next, landowners are identified and the areas are inspected by public agencies and the environmental police. If deforestation is detected, those responsible are fined and can face civil as well as criminal charges.

Figures

In 2023, the initiative identified 17,931 hectares of illegal suppression of native vegetation in the Atlantic forest biome, compared to 11,900 hectares in 2022. In all, 1,399 areas were inspected. Some BRL 82 million were imposed in fines.

In a statement, Alexandre Gaio, a prosecutor in Paraná state and the head of Abrampa, argued that the operation has established a culture of monitoring illegal deforestation in the biome through intelligence and the continuous engagement of prosecutors and environmental inspection bodies, “which has also contributed to reducing illegal suppression and tackling climate change.”

The results of this year’s operation will be announced on September 27.

*Trainee supervised by Vinícius Lisboa