The resolutions of the Environmental National Council (Conama) should comply with the Law

The Committee for Agriculture, Cattle Industry, Supply and Rural Development approved on Wednesday, November, 5, the Legislative Decree Bill 616/08, by Deputy Fernando Chucre (PSDB-SP), which suspends the resolution of National Counsel of Environment (Conama), about criteria defining the inclusion of sandbars as permanent preservation areas (APPs).

The proposal suspends an item of Resolution 303/02 of Conama, which considers as permanent preservation areas all sandbanks along the Brazilian coast, in a minimum area of 300 meters from the spring-tide line of 1831.

The rapporteur, Deputy Cláudio Diaz (PSDB-RS), recommended its approval. He stated that the suspended item transcends the determinations of the Forest Code (Lei 4.771/65). "According to it, the permanent preservation areas in sandbanks are limited to the vegetation which stabilizes the dunes and wetlands,” declared Diaz.

Sandbanks

A sandbank is a specific landform, a sand area which is parallel to the coast, and is shaped by the dynamics of ocean waters. These deposits are based on peninsulas and capes, and can bear several small lagoons. This ecosystems´ typical vegetation, found along the Brazilian coast, from the east coast of Pará to the coast of Rio Grande do Sul, steadies and fastens the dunes or wetlands, and as such, is already preserved by the Forest Code.

Procedure

The Project will be analyzed by the Committees for Environment and Sustainable Development; and Constitution and Justice and Citizenship, before being voted by the Floor.

Report - Oscar Telles
Editing - Natalia Doederlein/Rejane Xavier