History and Current Status of Illegal Logging in the Amazon Rainforest

History and Current Status of Illegal Logging in the Amazon Rainforest

1990s:
In the 1990s, illegal logging began to expand in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. Especially in the states of Pará and Rondonia, illegal logging for the purpose of expanding farmland and pastureland led to the rapid loss of forests. At that time, timber exports were poorly controlled, and high-end timbers such as mahogany and ipée were distributed on the international market. Exports to European countries and the United States increased, and illegal logging was profitable for some companies and traders.

2000s:
In the early 2000s, the annual loss of the Amazon rainforest peaked due to illegal logging: approximately 27,000 square kilometers of forest were lost in 2004, drawing strong condemnation from environmental groups and the international community. In order to strengthen forest protection, the Brazilian government has taken measures such as expanding the monitoring system of the Forest Police (IBAMA) and introducing satellites to monitor deforestation.

2010s:
In the 2010s, government crackdowns and progress in international cooperation led to a temporary decline in the area of forest loss. However, illegal logging for the purpose of expanding agricultural land and pastures persisted, and deforestation increased again, especially after 2018, as the Brazilian government relaxed its environmental policies. During this period, illegal logging also had a significant impact on the livelihoods of the local population and indigenous peoples, with reports of conflicts with the Yanomami and Cayapo tribes.

2020s:
In the 2020s, illegal logging in the Amazon rainforest gained international attention in the context of climate change action: by 2021, approximately 13,000 square kilometers of forest will be lost and its impact as a source of greenhouse gas emissions will be severe. The use of chemical fertilizers containing magnesium and phosphorus is increasing, while soil degradation is accelerating, causing widespread damage to ecosystems.

Illegally logged timber, mostly mahogany and ipée, remains the main species, and is traded at high prices on the international market. While some multinational companies have been criticized, others, such as Amazon Inc. and Bayer AG, have begun to actively engage in forest protection activities. in 2024, Amazon, H&M, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and others have signed a carbon credit purchase agreements and support through the LEAF Coalition.

Challenges and Prospects:
Currently, carbon emissions from illegal logging amount to about 4,000,000 tons per year, and there is concern about its impact on climate change. The Brazilian government is strengthening monitoring using the Detector satellite monitoring system and expanding forest reserves, but major mining companies such as Rio Tinto and Vale have also been criticized for related development. Along with international efforts, cooperation with local residents and indigenous peoples will be key to sustainable forest management.