Approximately 80% of deforestation in the Cerrado region of Mato Grosso was done illegally.
The survey covers the period from August 2021 to July 2022.
Brazil Agency - An analysis conducted by the Instituto Centro de Vida (ICV), based on data from the National Institute for Space Research (Inpe), shows that 80% of deforestation in the Cerrado biome in Mato Grosso was carried out illegally between August 2021 and July 2022.
According to the survey, during this period, the state recorded 742 km² of deforestation in the biome. Although the number represents a reduction of just over 7% compared to the previous period, what is worrying is the illegality, explains Ana Paula Valdiones, coordinator of the ICV's Environmental Transparency program.
"We compared the data from INPE with deforestation permits issued by the environmental agency, and just over 20% did not have authorization. It was illegal deforestation," he explained.
According to Ana Paula Valdiones, almost a quarter of the deforestation is concentrated in three municipalities: Cocalinho, Ribeirão Cascalheira, and Paranatinga.
"This demonstrates that deforestation is concentrated and requires actions focused on the municipalities that are a priority in combating deforestation," he explained.
According to her, most of the deforestation in Mato Grosso occurs in areas registered under the Rural Environmental Registry (CAR).
According to the coordinator of the Instituto Centro de Vida, between August 2021 and July 2022, more than 10,5 km² of the Brazilian Cerrado were deforested. This represents a 25% increase compared to the previous period.
For Ana Paula, the situation is worrying since the Cerrado is known as Brazil's water tower because it shelters the headwaters of important rivers in the Pantanal, but today this biome is the most unprotected compared to others, such as the Amazon, for example.
Deforestation in the Cerrado biome ultimately harms the region's ability to retain water, with negative consequences for biodiversity and for the people.