Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest is slowing, according to data published by the Brazilian government.
Satellite information was used in the government’s estimate, which suggests that 3,515 square miles of forest were destroyed between August 2004 and July 2005, more than 50% down on the 7,229 square miles razed a year earlier.
The announcement comes just three months after the government published data for the calendar year 2003-2004, which showed near-record levels of destruction at 10,088 square miles.
The government said the recent reduction was due to its action plan launched last year to curb illegal logging.
However, environmental groups believe the fall is primarily due to economic problems in the farming industry.
The biggest rate of Amazon destruction was recorded in 1994-95 when 11,216 square miles of forest were removed.
