Atlantic Forest deforestation operation issues R$ 100 million in fines

The ninth edition of ‘Operação Mata Atlântica em Pé’ has concluded, a national initiative coordinated by the Brazilian Public Ministry and the Minas Gerais Public Ministry to combat illegal deforestation in the Atlantic Forest biome. The operation spanned 17 states, resulting in approximately R$ 100 million in fines across 8,370 hectares of inspected land.

In Paraná, authorities inspected 2,000 hectares of suspected illegal deforestation, issuing 445 environmental infraction notices totaling R$ 14.2 million in fines. This effort involved the Institute of Water and Land (IAT), the Environmental Police Force Green Battalion, and Ibama.

In Rio de Janeiro, the state conducted its largest mobilization against Atlantic Forest deforestation to date. During August, officials responded to 168 alerts across 64 municipalities, inspecting 314 hectares. This resulted in 225 administrative measures and over R$ 800,000 in fines, marking a significant increase in activity compared to the previous year.