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Addressing the urgent climate and biodiversity crisis through strategic ecosystem restoration in Brazil

Published Article

Brazil

Publication date: January 11, 2025

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Brazil aims to restore 12 million hectares by 2030, and this study uses extensive biodiversity data to map priority restoration areas across all major phytogeographic domains. Modeling shows that restoring 30% of targeted landscapes—about 76 million hectares—could increase habitat for more than 11,000 species, improve functional connectivity by 60% and capture up to 9.8 million tons of carbon. Priority zones include the Amazon’s arc of deforestation, central Cerrado, Caatinga boundaries, Pampa, Pantanal and Atlantic Forest coast. The results underscore the value of science‑based planning and economic incentives to guide effective, biodiversity‑rich restoration.

Subject Tags

  • Forest
  • Carbon storage
  • Nature-based solutions

Abstract

Ecosystem restoration is crucial worldwide to address environmental challenges. Many countries, including Brazil, have committed to restoring degraded landscapes at national and international levels. Brazil aims to restore twelve million hectares of degraded areas by 2030, which requires strategic decision-making to allocate resources effectively and balance biodiversity gains with societal benefits. Our modeling approach uses extensive biodiversity field data to identify priority areas for restoration across Brazil's diverse phytogeographic domains. By focusing on expanding native species habitats and enhancing connectivity, we aim to maximize ecological returns. Precisely, we pinpoint areas within each Brazilian phytogeographic domain with the greatest potential for habitat enhancement, including the Amazon's arc of deforestation, central Cerrado, the limits of Caatinga, Pampa and Pantanal, and the coastal areas of the Atlantic Forest. Restoring 30% of these areas—approximately 76 million hectares—could significantly benefit 11,028 species by increasing available habitat by up to 10% and improving landscape functional connectivity by 60%. Moreover, this restoration effort would capture up to 9.8 million tons of atmospheric carbon, contributing to global climate goals. As Brazil strives to meet national and international targets, we also advocate for economic incentives to support restoration practices within each phytogeographic domain. Integrating prioritization modeling into decision-making ensures optimal biodiversity and carbon stock outcomes to guide more effective restoration efforts. This comprehensive strategy helps advance restoration goals and underscores the vital role of science-based planning in safeguarding our planet's natural heritage.

Citation

Liévano-Latorre, L. F., de Almeida-Rocha, J. M., Akama, A., Almeida, H. A., Andrade, R. T. G., dos Anjos, M. R., ... & Loyola, R. (2025). Addressing the urgent climate and biodiversity crisis through strategic ecosystem restoration in Brazil. Biological Conservation, 302, 110972. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2025.110972

TNC Authors

  • Fabiane Carolyne Santos
    The Nature Conservancy