Justice at the Brazilian Supreme Court on Monday ordered the federal government to seize properties tied to illegal deforestation and wildfires, reports AP.
The landmark ruling, which may still be appealed, also orders federal and state governments to prevent the regularization of illegally acquired land, a key driver of Amazon deforestation. Land-grabbers often clear forests, hoping weak land laws or government amnesties will eventually legitimize their claims.
In addition, authorities must seek compensation from landowners responsible for illegal and intentional destruction, according to the decision by Justice Flávio Dino.
The case stems from a petition filed by the party Rede Sustentabilidade, Sustainability Network, with the support of several environmental organizations. It demands stronger federal and state policies to protect the Amazon rainforest and the Pantanal wetlands. Both regions have suffered devastating, mostly man-made wildfires since 2020. Brazil’s Minister of Environment, Marina Silva, is the founder and the main leader of this party.
“The decision bolsters the Brazilian government’s efforts to fight illegal deforestation and intentional wildfires,” said Paulo Busse, a lawyer with Climate Observatory, a network of dozens of environmental, civil society and academic groups. The organization is one of the supporters of the petition.
Busse told The Associated Press that the ruling could have an immediate effect, as there are several court rulings with convictions for illegal deforestation, mostly in the Amazon.
Brenda Brito, a legal researcher with the environmental nonprofit Imazon, said the most significant part of the ruling is the crackdown on regularization for properties tied to environmental crimes.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
