HC Deb 24 July 2000 vol 354 c446W
Mr. McGrady

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the logging activities in the Amazon by the Brazilian Environment Agency; and if she will make a statement. [131153]

Clare Short

The role of the Brazilian Environment Agency (IBAMA) is to monitor and control logging rather than actively engage in it. Our assessment is that environmental management capacity in Brazil needs to be developed in order to implement policies that have already been formally adopted. We believe that IBAMA are currently under-resourced and there are many weaknesses in the enforcement of existing forestry legislation owing to lack of incentives and capacity. We, and other donors, are contributing to institutional strengthening of IBAMA through the Pilot Programme to Conserve the Brazilian Rainforest.

Mr. McGrady

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action she proposes to take to discourage logging activities in the Amazon by the Brazilian Environment Agency. [131154]

Clare Short

We are contributing to the international efforts to encourage sustainable logging practices in Brazil. Our contribution is mainly being channelled through the Pilot Programme to Conserve the Brazilian Rainforest.