Brazil's Environment Minister, Marina Silva, a staunch defender of the Amazon rainforest, has resigned her post.

No reason has been given, but correspondents say she has recently been at odds with the government over economic development projects.

Ms Silva has blamed the increasing deforestation of the Amazon on Brazilian cattle ranchers and farmers.

Environmental campaigners say her resignation is a major setback for the rainforest in Brazil.

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"The minister is leaving because the pressure on her for taking the measures she took against deforestation has become unbearable," he said.

Economic development

Marina Silva had unsuccessfully opposed several government infrastructure projects in the Amazon rainforest, including two big hydroelectric dams on the River Madeira, and a major new road.

The government's decision to authorize genetically modified grains, and the construction of a new nuclear power plant, also went against the minister's environmental concerns.

Correspondents say her resignation will reinforce a perception that President Lula is more concerned with economic development than conservation.

"The environmental area was relegated to no priority," said Denise Hamu, secretary general of WWF in Brazil. "She got tired of the thankless struggle."

Others, however, have welcomed her decision to step down.

"I hope the next minister is not as radical as Marina. She was an obstacle to economic development in Brazil," said Rui Prado, head of the agriculture federation of Mato Grosso, a big farming state.

The child of rubber-tappers from Acre, Ms Silva was illiterate until the age of 14.

She worked with the rainforest activist Chico Mendes, who was later murdered, and was appointed environment minister when Lula won the presidency in 2002.

(BBC)

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