In Brazil, efforts to combat environmental crimes are being scaled back due to the spread of the virus, despite concerns that weakening protection measures could lead to an increase in illegal deforestation.

Olivaldi Azevedo, the official responsible for nature conservation at the Ibama state agency, noted that the spread of the virus and the challenges it creates leave no choice; only a few environmental agency staff will be sent to the forests.

He also pointed out that approximately one-third of Ibama's nature conservation agency staff working in the forests (on-site) are around 60 years old or have medical issues, which increases their risk of becoming ill.