Brazil corporations urge action on illegal logging in Amazon

Dozens of Brazilian corporations are calling for a crackdown on illegal logging in Amazon rainforest, expressing ir concerns in a letter Tuesday to vice president, who hes government's council on that region.

letter to Gen. Hamilton Mourão said country's business interests are being hurt by "negative perception of Brazil’s im abro in relation to socio-environmental issues in Amazon.” It urged that immediate actions be taken to allay negative reactions of foreign investors and consumers.

letter was signed by Brazilian mining giant Vale, Ambev brewing company, Itaú bank and dozens of or companies. It was also sent to Brazil’s prosecutor general and hes of Supreme Court and both houses of Congress.

plea was first collective action by Brazilian business leers in urging government do more to protect environment.

President Jair Bolsonaro took office in 2019 with pledges to unlock riches of vast Amazon and has repeatedly opposed large territories being reserved for Indigeus peoples. As a result, some members of European legislatures have said y would vote against ratification of a free-tre deal between European Union and Mercosur customs union that includes Brazil, which was signed in June 2019 after two deces of negotiation.

Deforestation in Amazon increased 22% in first five months of this year, compared to same period of 2019, government ncy that monitors rainforest reported June 6. government also came under international criticism last year over widespre fires in Amazon.

Bolsonaro disputes contention that his government is t taking care of Amazon. He said at a Mercosur meeting last week that his ministration will continue discussions with various parties to detail "actions that we have taken in favor of protection of Amazon rainforest and well-being of Indigeus populations.”