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Satellite images compared by the Environmental Military Police of Paraná revealed the destruction of more than 10.3 hectares of native forest in Lapa, with part of the damage in APP, use of fire, embargo of the area, a fine of R$ 109 thousand, and criminal investigation.
Satellite images led to the discovery of illegal deforestation on a property in Lapa, in southern Paraná, with more than 10.3 hectares of native forest destroyed and a fine of R$ 109 thousand.
The identification occurred through remote monitoring carried out by the Environmental Military Police of Paraná. The comparison between old and current images indicated changes in the vegetation in the locality of Vila Machado.
After the alert generated by the geoprocessing sector, a team went to the property. On-site, the police confirmed the damage pointed out by the satellite images.
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Illegal deforestation affected APP
The destroyed area totals more than 103 thousand square meters. The size is equivalent to more than 14 soccer fields, according to the dimension provided by the corporation.
Almost a third of the devastated stretch is in a Permanent Preservation Area. The APP includes vegetation around springs and riparian forest of a stream existing on the property.
The infraction was also aggravated by the use of fire in the suppression of vegetation. Thus, the case involved not only the deforested area but also the manner in which the removal occurred.
Fine, embargo, and criminal investigation
For the environmental infractions found, the owner received R$ 109 thousand in fines. The affected areas were embargoed, preventing the continuation of use or intervention on the site.
The case was also forwarded to the Civil Police for criminal investigation. The man’s name was not disclosed, and his defense could not be identified.
Rules for tree cutting in Paraná
In Paraná, cutting exotic forest species, such as pine, eucalyptus, Japanese grape, and chinaberry, does not require prior authorization, except when they are in a Permanent Preservation Area.
However, the cutting or suppression of native species, such as araucaria, requires environmental authorization. The requirement applies regardless of where the trees are located.
The case shows how satellite monitoring has begun to identify environmental damage even before teams arrive on the ground. Do you believe that this type of remote monitoring should be expanded to combat illegal deforestation more quickly and prevent damage to protected areas?
Source: G1 Paraná — published on 06/02/2026, with information from the Environmental Military Police of Paraná and environmental rules from the Instituto Água e Terra (IAT), linked to the Government of Paraná.
