Cotia's Vanishing Forest: Deforestation Crisis Sparks Outrage

Cotia Deforestation: A Green Lung Suffocates Cotia, a municipality in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, Brazil, is facing a crisis. The once-lush forests are rapidly disappearing, raising concerns among residents and environmental experts. Reports of deforestation have skyrocketed, with over 240 incidents reported to the Cotia City Hall's Ouvidoria (Ombudsman's Office) in the first five months of 2025, a staggering increase of over 1000% compared to 2024. "In this specific location, it's happening very fast. Two weeks ago, the trees, the pine trees, were all in the same place. Now, as you can see, it's all gone," said one resident, who wished to remain anonymous, describing the rapid pace of deforestation in the area known as Trilha do Verde 1. The increase is not only alarming to local residents but also to environmentalists. According to Ricardo Cardim, an expert on the Atlantic Forest, the deforestation has wider implications. "The cutting of these forests first compromises the availability of water for the São Paulo metropolitan region, which is already experiencing serious problems with water crises and supply crises," Cardim explained. While the Cotia City Hall claims to have authorization for the removal of 260 exotic trees, residents believe the deforestation is primarily driven by the construction of residential condominiums. Their concerns are amplified by the lack of effective action from the authorities, despite numerous reports to the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of the Environment, and the Secretariat for the Environment. "Cotia is still an area of interior, so many people who are here seek this aspect and to see it suppressed in such an alarming way, with no one doing anything, is frustrating," another resident stated, highlighting the community's mobilization and frustration with the lack of response from the government. The situation underscores the urgent need for effective enforcement of environmental regulations and protection of green spaces in the metropolitan region of São Paulo.