Protecting existing Amazon forests beats restoration for climate and biodiversity, study finds

The short version

• Preventing disturbance from wildfires and logging in existing Amazon forests offers larger biodiversity gains and comparable carbon protection to stopping clear-cutting, while costing less than replanting.[ScienceDaily]
• Restoration on cleared agricultural land remains valuable in heavily deforested zones, but scientists found it is less effective and more expensive on its own.[ScienceDaily]
• Researchers evaluated over three million hectares in Brazil between 2010 and 2020 using counterfactual models, satellite data, and biodiversity surveys.[ScienceDaily]
• The authors warn that commodity industries such as soy and beef must address forest degradation, with protection made more urgent by an El Niño year.[ScienceDaily]

Key facts

• A study published in Science found that avoiding damage from wildfires and selective logging offered the largest biodiversity gains and nearly matched deforestation prevention for carbon protection.[ScienceDaily]
• The research analyzed over three million hectares across Santarém and Paragominas in Pará, Brazil, spanning from 2010 to 2020.[ScienceDaily]
• The dataset incorporated satellite imagery, 381 survey transects, and distribution models for 160 bird and 426 tree species to build counterfactual scenarios.[ScienceDaily]
• Net gains in both biodiversity and carbon stocks required implementing both avoidance strategies, with maximum gains seen when combining avoidance with restoration.[ScienceDaily]
• Researchers called for companies trading soy and beef to take accountability for degradation occurring in standing forests.[ScienceDaily]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Amazon study reveals the best strategies for protecting biodiversity and carbonScienceDaily - Environment