§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent representations she has made to the Government of Brazil regarding the deforestation of the rain forests. [38111]
§ Clare ShortI have not made any direct representations to the Brazilian Government regarding deforestation.
DFID's approach is to support Brazilian efforts to achieve sustainable development in the rain forest regions. Through our bilateral co-operation programme, including the G7 pilot programme to conserve the Brazilian rain forest, to which we have contributed £16 million to date, we aim to support sustainable development initiatives that respond to the development goals of Brazil and its people, particularly the poorest—and maintain environmental benefits. We do this through strengthening the capacity of Brazilian environment and development agencies, piloting new approaches to resource management and increasing knowledge and awareness of the issues.