O Estado de S. Paulo
September 2, 2000

The majority of environmental organisations operating in Amazonas are protesting against the decision of the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) to close down 6 of its 13 regional inspection offices in the state. According to Greenpeace, this action will leave each IBAMA inspector responsibility over 4 million hectares - approximately the land area of Switzerland. The regional IBAMA superintendence had fought to have the number of resources increased, rather than decreased. Even José Leland, interim head of the Division of Control and Inspection of IBAMA in Amazonas, considers the move to be detrimental and says there will be mobilisation against it. Error: Unable to read footer file.