In a significant action to enforce environmental regulations, the Municipal Secretary of the Environment in Campinas has imposed a R$ 125,000 fine on Shopping Iguatemi for the removal of 78 trees without obtaining the necessary environmental permit. This decision reflects the city's commitment to protecting natural resources and promoting adherence to environmental laws. The fine, which amounts to 24,675 Unidades Fiscais de Campinas (UFIC), was formally announced in the Official Gazette on Tuesday, October 10.

The shopping mall has the right to appeal the penalty within 20 days from the date of publication. Should no appeal be filed, the case will proceed to the Administrative Board of Environmental Valuation, which will determine whether additional reparations or compensations are necessary due to the environmental damage caused. The decision underscores the importance of regulatory oversight in urban development projects, ensuring that businesses operate within the framework of environmental sustainability.

In response to the fine, Shopping Iguatemi has acknowledged the notification and expressed its commitment to complying with current environmental regulations. This incident serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that business entities have towards the environment and the legal repercussions of failing to adhere to established environmental standards. As urban development continues, the need for responsible practices becomes increasingly critical for sustainability efforts in urban areas like Campinas.