Brazil steps up inspections of illegal timber

Brazilian environment chief Roberto Messias Franco says his agency will strengthen illegal logging inspections in an Amazonian city where rioting occurred last Sunday.

In an official statement, Mr Franco, president of the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA), harshly criticised the “acts of violence and vandalism” against the IBAMA office in Paragominas.

The office was ransacked when about 3,000 people protested against the seizure of 400m³ of illegally logged timber by IBAMA.

Fourteen trucks containing the timber, which includes massaranduba, were then stolen and IBAMA staff were forced to take refuge in a hotel. Police eventually broke up the rioters.

Mr Franco said the attacks and theft caused serious harm to the Brazilian state and IBAMA.

“The acts concern but do not frighten IBAMA,” he said. “All measures are being taken to prevent disrespect to the Brazilian state.”

He said the agency and other ministries were firmly committed to regulating all activities in the Amazon to ensure sustainability, while the inspection team in Paragominas would be strengthened.

Earlier, Brazil’s environment minister Carlos Minc said illegal loggers would not intimidate the government and offenders would be punished.

IBAMA has been seizing illegal timber as part of its Operation Black Trail, which combats the trade in charcoal.