Brazil abolishes huge Amazon reserve in 'biggest attack' in 50 years Read moreThe attorney general has appealed. In several previous cases related to development of environmentally sensitive areas or indigenous territory, higher court judges have overturned rulings made by local courts. An opposition lawmaker called the move the “biggest attack on the Amazon of the last 50 years”. Temer subsequently withdrew his initial decree, and re-issued it with a clarification on protections for indigenous territory and conservation areas. Environmental activists said the move was a marketing ploy, because 30% of the region would still be opened up to mining companies.

Source: The Guardian August 30, 2017 18:33 UTC