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The rate of deforestation in Brazil's Amazon fell by nearly 50% in 2023 compared to the previous year, according to space agency data.

Deforestation is the cutting down of trees for use as building wood and/or to use the land cleared for farming, roads and industry.

Brazil's environment ministry said it was the lowest recorded rate in the last five years, although the deforested area is still more than six times the size of New York City.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva pledged to end deforestation by 2030 when he took office a year ago.

Experts say the Amazon has a really important role to play in the global fight against climate change.

It is often called "the lungs of the planet" due to its essential role in making oxygen and reducing carbon dioxide.

Around 60% of the rainforest is located in Brazil and is also home to about three million species of plants and animals, and one million indigenous people.

Data from national space agency Inpe showed 5,153 square kilometres (1,989.6 sq miles) of the Amazon were cleared in 2023, down from 10,278 square kilometres in 2022.

The environment ministry said that efforts by inspectors were important in bringing about the fall,

President Lula had promised to restore the Amazon rainforest when he was trying to get elected as Brazil's leader.

His government said this was the first step in achieving its zero deforestation goal and that it was also committed to stop illegal deforestation in the Amazon.