Norway and Germany walk away from Fundo Amazônia

After months of public attacks on the governance of Fundo Amazônia and due to the steep increase of Amazon deforestation in June and July, Germany’s Ministry of the Environment suspended the country’s contribution to Fundo Amazônia. “The policies of the Brazilian government make us doubtful if they are still searching for a consequent reduction of deforestation rates. Only when there is clarity, we will be able to continue cooperating with projects in the region.”, the German government said on August 10th.

A few days later, Nordic media reported that the Norwegian government was also withdrawing donations to Fundo Amazônia due to problems with the governance of the fund. According to the press, Norway was withholding the payment of R$ 132.6 million; the country is the main donor for Fundo Amazônia, accounting for 93,8% of total resources between 2009 and 2018.

In response to the Norway announcement, president Bolsonaro used irony. He said “Isn’t Norway that one that hunts whales there in the North Pole? That also explores oil there? They are no example to us. Take this money and go help Angela Merkel reforest Germany”.