92002E1274

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1274/02

by Eurig Wyn (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(6 May 2002)

Subject: Enviromental degradation caused by deforestation

The Brazilian Congress is now voting on a project that will reduce the Amazon forest to 50 % of its size.

Deforestation and the subsequent processing of the woodchips on this scale will also release huge amounts of carbon into the atmosphere worsening the problem of climate change.

What is the Commission's stance regarding this issue?

Does the Commission agree that steps should be taken in order to avoid the deforestation of an area four times the size of Portugal?

Will the Commission also agree that deforestation on this scale will lead to further environmental degradation?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(20 June 2002)

The Commission is very concerned about the ongoing high rates of global deforestation and forest degradation and has endeavoured to promote the conservation and sustainable use of all types of forests. The Commission fully recognises the Amazon forest's importance as one of the most valuable forests of the world (especially in terms of biodiversity).

Two years ago a committee of the Brazilian Congress began debating a revision of the Forest Code, which would have changed the required percentage of forest reserve on private land only. The Brazilian Government has strongly resisted this and discussions have been put on a back burner.

There is currently no project that will reduce the Amazon forest to 50 % of its size. Neither is any vote in plenary likely to take place soon in the Brazilian Congress. Brazilian non-governmental organisations (NGOs), public opinion in Brazil and the Brazilian media have made a strong campaign against the proposals and are closely monitoring the situation.

Based on the above-mentioned, the Commission is closely monitoring the situation in the Brazilian Congress, in particular in the light of the up-coming general elections in Brazil in October 2002.

The Commission is also continuing its support to the Pilot Programme of the group of seven most industrialised countries in defence of the Brazilian tropical forests.