Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon falls 68 percent in April, first major drop under Lula

SAO PAULO -- Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon rainforest fell 68 percent in April from the previous year, preliminary government data showed on Friday, a positive reading for President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as it represents the first major drop under his watch. Official data from space research agency Inpe showed that 328.71 square km (126.92 square miles) were cleared in the Brazilian Amazon last month, below the historical average of 455.75 square km for the month. That interrupted two consecutive months of higher deforestation, with land clearing so far this year now down 40.4 percent to 1,173 square km. Official data from space research agency Inpe showed that 328.71 square km (126.92 square miles) were cleared in the Brazilian Amazon last month, below the historical average of 455.75 square km for the month. That interrupted two consecutive months of higher deforestation, with land clearing so far this year now down 40.4 percent to 1,173 square km.