RIO DE JANEIRO, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon fell 17 percent in the first quarter from a year earlier, according to data released by Amazon Institute of People and the Environment.

From January to March, deforested area declined from 419 to 348 square km -- roughly 7,000 soccer fields.

The drop is even more pronounced under the region's "deforestation calendar," which runs from August to July to account for seasonal rainfall. Between August 2025 and March 2026, deforestation decreased 36 percent, from 2,296 to 1,460 square km -- the lowest level for this period since 2017.

Despite the overall decline, March saw a 17 percent year-on-year increase, with deforestation rising from 167 to 196 square km. Researchers flagged this spike as a warning sign, urging stronger enforcement against illegal logging, tighter monitoring, tougher penalties, and expanded bioeconomy initiatives to support sustainable forest use.

The report underscores that deforestation accelerates climate change by increasing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing biodiversity, highlighting the global importance of protecting the Amazon.

Forest degradation -- partial damage from fires or logging -- also showed improvement. In March 2026, degraded area totaled 11 square km, down 95 percent from a year earlier and the lowest March level since 2014.

Experts caution that degradation still weakens ecosystems and heightens future risks. While recent data signals progress, sustained vigilance and stronger environmental policies remain essential to protect the world's largest tropical rainforest. ■