Anger as Brazil revokes mangrove protection regulations
Source: BBC
Anger as Brazil revokes mangrove protection regulations
29 Septemer 2020
The Brazilian government of Jair Bolsonaro has revoked regulations that protect tropical mangroves and other fragile coastal ecosystems.
Environmental groups have called the move a "crime".
Mangroves are an important protection against climate change.
President Bolsonaro's policies and rhetoric on the environment have caused widespread alarm, and the far-right leader has been accused of encouraging illegal activity.
The decision removed so-called "permanent protection zones" created in 2002 to preserve Brazil's many tropical mangroves and the sand-dune scrublands. It was taken by the National Environmental Council, led by controversial Environment Minister Ricardo Salles.
Environmental groups say the removal of the regulations will allow property developers to clear large areas of natural habitats for tourism, which could lead to their destruction.
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https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-54338892
Mangroves are an important protection against climate change (Getty Images)