Brazil's President Lula unveils sweeping environmental protection package

On World Environment Day, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced a comprehensive set of measures to protect Brazil's biomes and combat climate change. New decrees created the Tanaru National Park in Rondônia and the Paleocanal Environmental Protection Area in Pará, while expanding the Serra das Confusões and Sete Cidades National Parks in Piauí. The government also sanctioned the National Policy for Caatinga Recovery and a law establishing Payment for Environmental Services.

Investments total about R$ 3.87 billion, including R$ 2 billion for IBAMA and ICMBio operations, R$ 834 million from the Climate Fund for native‑vegetation restoration, and a UK donation of R$ 270 million to the Amazon Fund. Additional funds of R$ 393 million and R$ 370 million were earmarked for Amazon restoration and community programs. A decree simplifies and speeds up transfers from the National Environmental Fund to states and municipalities to aid fire prevention.

Lula highlighted Brazil's recent deforestation decline, citing a 50 % drop in the Amazon, 32 % in the Cerrado and 63 % in the Pantanal, with total forest loss in 2025 falling below one million hectares (984,700 ha). He said the country is now “prepared in advance to face the expected severe El Niño,” positioning Brazil as a credible global steward of the environment.