DESTRUCTION POLICIES: WEAKENING ENVIRONMENTAL LICENSING IS A STEP BACKWARDS FOR THE CONSERVATION OF BRAZILIAN BIODIVERSITY

Destruction Policies in Brazilian Law

Abstract

Brazil is a leading country in the global environmental arena and has signed numerous agreements to protect biodiversity. The country is extraordinarily diverse, with a multitude of traditional peoples and endemic ecosystems that contribute significantly to societal well-being and economic activities dependent on natural resources. However, the new General Law for Environmental Licensing (Laws #15,190/2025 and #15,300/2025) aims to streamline the licensing process by eliminating technical assessments and restricting the participation of traditional peoples. These measures contradict the Brazilian Constitution and international agreements, which could lead to an increase in socio-environmental disasters. Weakening Brazilian environmental legislation favours strategic economic sectors responsible for most habitat loss and degradation, as well as the irresponsible exploitation of natural resources. The weakening of what is considered one of the world's best environmental laws undermines legal certainty, biodiversity conservation, public health and socio-environmental rights, threatening the country's future and the well-being of current and future generations.