Analysis by Greenpeace has found that more than 20,000
hectares of forest was destroyed illegally in four northern provinces, in the
first half of 2016.
The illegal deforestation took place in Salta, Santiago del
Estero, Formosa and Chaco, and represented more than a third of all forest
clearance during the period.
“It is evident that fines are not enough to discourage
deforestation in protected areas”, said Hernán Giardini, coordinator of the
Greenpeace forest campaign. “In many cases the complicity of officials in
violating the rules is clear. We need a Forest Crime Act that penalizes illegal
clearings and arson”.
According to the Greenpeace analysis, 80% of
deforestation is concentrated in the four northern provinces. The main causes
of forest loss are the soy, cattle ranching and fires.
To read the report (in Spanish) click here.
