Protecting Standing Forests Trumps Restoration in Amazon Conservation Efforts

Researchers from Lancaster University have conducted a comprehensive study of conservation strategies in the Amazon rainforest. The team, which included experts from the UK, Brazil, Sweden, and Australia, evaluated different approaches to protecting existing forests and restoring those on agricultural land.

The study focused on two regions in the Brazilian state of Pará, covering over 3 million hectares between 2010 and 2020. By combining satellite imagery with extensive field observations, the researchers were able to assess the effectiveness of various conservation strategies.

Preventing disturbances within existing forests emerged as a key priority. Measures that reduced forest fires and logging generated the largest benefits for biodiversity and carbon stocks. Dr. Leonardo Miranda, lead author of the study, noted that 'avoiding forest disturbances from wildfires or logging delivered the greatest benefits for forest biodiversity.'

The findings suggest that conservation funding should be tailored to individual landscapes rather than relying on a single approach everywhere. While restoring forest on agricultural land was less effective when used alone, it did provide meaningful benefits, especially in areas where much of the original forest had disappeared.