"Brazil Amazon Deforestation 'at Lowest Level in Years'"

"Brazil says the rate of deforestation in its Amazon region has fallen to the lowest level for 23 years."

"The National Institute for Space Research said 6,238 sq km (2,400 sq miles) of rainforest disappeared between August 2010 and July 2011, a drop of 11% from the previous year.

The government says the fall is due to its tougher stance on illegal logging.

But in at least two states, Rondonia and Mato Grosso, rainforest clearance rose considerably in the past year."

BBC News had the story December 6, 2011.

SEE ALSO:

"Brazil Rewrites Amazon Protections While Seeking to Slash Carbon Emissions" (Bloomberg)

"Brazil Forest Code Reignites Amazon Fears" (Financial Times)

"Brazil's Amazon Deforestation in 2011 Lowest on Record" (ENS)