Undesignated Public Forests in the Brazilian Amazon

The Brazilian Amazon, often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” is a vital ecosystem that plays a crucial role in global climate regulation and biodiversity conservation. Within this vast region, there are 49.8 million hectares (Mha) of public forestlands that have not been allocated by the federal or state governments to a specific tenure status. These areas, known as undesignated public forests (UPF), have historically been vulnerable to land grabbers and land speculation. This vulnerability poses a significant threat to the integrity of these forests and the ecological services they provide. In this article, we will explore the extent of illegal deforestation in these public forests, the associated CO2 emissions, and the potential for illegal occupation.

The Brazilian Amazon is home to vast expanses of public forestlands that have not been designated for specific use. These undesignated public forests (UPF) cover an area of 49.8 million hectares (Mha). Historically, these forests have been at risk due to land grabbers and speculators who seek to exploit these areas for private gain. To understand the scale of the problem, we analyzed data from the Brazilian government’s database on deforestation rates. Our findings reveal a concerning trend.

Between 1997 and 2018, 2.6 million hectares (Mha) of undesignated public forests were deforested. This deforestation is illegal, as these areas are protected under Brazilian law. The impact of this deforestation is not just ecological but also climatic. The deforestation of these forests resulted in the emission of 1.2 billion tons of CO2 (Gt CO2). This is a significant contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions and underscores the importance of protecting these forests.

The data also shows a stark difference in deforestation rates between federal and state-managed undesignated public forests. The accumulated deforestation was 5.4 times higher in federal UPF than in state UPF. This disparity highlights the need for more effective management and enforcement strategies at the federal level to protect these critical forest areas.

Deforestation rates in the Amazon began to increase in 2013, reversing a decade-long trend of decreasing annual deforestation rates (INPE, 2018). This uptick in deforestation is particularly alarming, as it indicates a resurgence of illegal activities in the region. The annual deforestation rate for 2019 was 30% higher than the 2018 rate, reaching a peak not seen since 2012 (INPE, 2018). This increase in deforestation rates underscores the urgency of addressing the threats to undesignated public forests.

Our study quantifies the accumulated illegal deforestation and its associated CO2 emissions for the period from 1997 to 2018. The data reveals a troubling pattern of illegal occupation and deforestation in these public forestlands. The potential for further illegal occupation remains high, posing a significant risk to the future of these forests.

The deforestation of undesignated public forests has far-reaching ecological and climatic implications. Forests play a critical role in carbon sequestration, and the loss of these forests contributes significantly to global CO2 emissions. The 1.2 billion tons of CO2 released from the deforestation of 2.6 Mha of public forests is a stark reminder of the importance of forest conservation.

Moreover, the Amazon rainforest is a biodiversity hotspot, home to countless species of plants and animals. The loss of these forests threatens the survival of many species, some of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Protecting undesignated public forests is not just about mitigating CO2 emissions; it is also about preserving the rich biodiversity of the Amazon.

Addressing the threats to undesignated public forests requires a multifaceted approach. Effective management and enforcement strategies are essential to prevent further deforestation and illegal occupation. The Brazilian government must prioritize the protection of these forests through stronger regulations and increased monitoring.

Additionally, international cooperation is crucial. The global community has a vested interest in preserving the Amazon rainforest, and international support can provide valuable resources and expertise to combat deforestation. Initiatives such as the Amazon Fund, which aims to raise funds for projects that combat deforestation and promote sustainable development in the Amazon, are essential in this effort.

The undesignated public forests of the Brazilian Amazon are under significant threat from illegal deforestation and land speculation. The data from 1997 to 2018 reveals a troubling trend of increasing deforestation rates and associated CO2 emissions. Protecting these forests is crucial for both ecological and climatic reasons. Effective management and enforcement strategies, along with international cooperation, are essential to ensure the future of these vital forestlands.

For more information on the Amazon Fund and its initiatives, please visit Amazon Fund. For detailed data on deforestation rates and CO2 emissions, you can refer to the Brazilian National Institute for Space Research (INPE) at INPE.