The pace of deforestation in Brazil's Cerrado almost slowed by half, from 0.69 percent annually from 2002 to 2008 to 0.37 percent annually between 2008 and 2009, according to a survey released on Wednesday by the Brazilian Ministry of Environment (MMA).

The deforested area decreased from 14,200 kmper year between 2002 and 2008 to 7,600 kmper year between 2008 and 2009.

However, MMA warned that the biome is one of the most endangered of the

country. By 2009, almost 50 percent of the original Cerrado had been cleared, which corresponds to almost one million square kilometers.

According to a representative of MMA, the deforested areas are generally

caused by agricultural exploitation, especially for soybean cultivation.

Data related to the deforestation of the Cerrado in 2010 will only be

released in the second semester, the Ministry said.

The MMA also informed that the UK intends to expand its partnership with the Brazilian government on programs to reduce loss of biodiversity in the South American country.

The UK environment minister, Caroline Spelman, visited on Wednesday the

National Park Chapada dos Veadeiros, in the State of Goias, located within the Cerrado biome.

The minister expressed concern regarding the latest data on Cerrado

deforestation and said that the global strategy needs to focuse on growth with sustainability.

On Thursday, Spelman will visit Rio de Janeiro, where she will participate in debates on natural disasters and on Friday she will discuss green economy, food security and agricultural development with Brazilian authorities.