Forest transitions in tropical landscapes: A test in the Atlantic Forest biodiversity hotspot

Costa, Raquel L.; Prevedello, Jayme Augusto; Souza, Bruno G. de; Cabral, Diogo C.

doi:10.1016/j.apgeog.2017.03.006

Cited by 21 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…A more recent analysis based on 5-m-resolution imagery showed that native vegetation in 2013 was 28% ( 56 ). Global ( 15 ), regional ( 57 ), and local studies ( 51 , 58 , 59 ) have shown a consistent increase in forest cover across the region in recent decades, yet at the regional scale, the dynamics of native forest loss and gain are still unknown. The Brazilian Atlantic Forest represents a valuable case for exploring the interactions between forest loss and gain and their consequences in a region with ambitious restoration commitments, urgent needs to prevent species extinctions, and high demand of ecosystem services ( 26 ).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hidden destruction of older forests threatens Brazil’s Atlantic Forest and challenges restoration programs

et al. 2021

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Understanding the dynamics of native forest loss and gain is critical for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services, especially in regions experiencing intense forest transformations. We quantified native forest cover dynamics on an annual basis from 1990 to 2017 in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. Despite the relative stability of native forest cover during this period (~28 Mha), the ongoing loss of older native forests, mostly on flatter terrains, have been hidden by the increasing gain of younger native forest cover, mostly on marginal lands for mechanized agriculture. Changes in native forest cover and its spatial distribution increased forest isolation in 36.4% of the landscapes. The clearance of older forests associated with the recut of 27% of younger forests has resulted in a progressive rejuvenation of the native forest cover. We highlight the need to include native forest spatiotemporal dynamics into restoration programs to better estimate their expected benefits and unexpected problems.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hidden destruction of older forests threatens Brazil’s Atlantic Forest and challenges restoration programs

et al. 2021

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“…The magnitude and pervasiveness of tropical deforestation over the past three decades has led to food insecurity, high pest pressure, biodiversity loss, reduced availability of clean water, depleted soils, and increased vulnerability to climate extremes (Foley et al 2005). At the same time, however, some developing countries, including some regions of Brazil (Baptista 2008, Silva et al 2016, Costa et al 2017, Molin et al 2017, have lessened the pressure of agriculture expansion on forests (Lapola et al 2014). Understanding the patterns of forest change and the underlying causes is fundamental to the development of policies that ensure biodiversity preservation, climate regulation, and the support of human populations.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The forest transition in São Paulo, Brazil: historical patterns and potential drivers

Calaboni¹,

Tambosi²,

Igari³

et al. 2018

E&S

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Agricultural expansion has caused extensive deforestation throughout the tropics in the last decades, nevertheless, some countries have experienced native forest gains. In the 20th century, the state of São Paulo, Brazil, transitioned from an agricultural frontier to an agro-industrial state, and in parallel, from a high deforestation rate to a net gain in native forest. Here we examine the biophysical and socioeconomic factors that best explain land use and forest cover change in the state, at the municipality scale, over four consecutive intervals between 1960 and 2006. We hypothesized that factors that increase the productivity of agricultural land or reduce pressure on land development would lead to regeneration. Although results differed among intervals, our analyses demonstrate that forest gains were greater in municipalities with high forest cover percentage and steep slopes, and in areas that employed a large number of workers and relied on intensive fertilizer inputs. At the same time, forest loss was higher in municipalities with a large portion of agricultural land and soils with higher water retention capacity. These results reveal that land-use expansion led to forest loss in areas more suitable for agriculture, while forest gains occurred mainly in less suitable areas. Over time, agricultural expansion leveled off and agriculture intensification enabled forest gains, which were most marked in areas with a high percentage of forest remnants. Ultimately, however, these proximate drivers of forest change were driven by governmental policies to modernize agriculture and to protect natural ecosystems.

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“…Conservation interventions in protected areas on public or privately‐owned land strengthens restoration efforts and increases the likelihood of successful long‐term recovery. In the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, natural regeneration preferentially occurs adjacent to existing legally protected forest fragments (de Rezende, Uezu, Scarano & Araujo, ; Costa, Prevedello, de Souza & Cabral, ). Buffer zones of protected areas are well suited for spontaneous or assisted regeneration as passive restoration approaches (Chazdon, ).…”

Section: Progress and Challenges In Harmonizing Conservation And Restmentioning

confidence: 99%

Towards more effective integration of tropical forest restoration and conservation

Chazdon

2019

Biotropica

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Conservation and restoration interventions can be mutually reinforcing and are converging through an increased focus on social dimensions. This paper examines how to more effectively integrate the complementary goals of conservation and restoration of tropical forests. Forest conservation and restoration interventions are integral components of a broad approach to forest ecosystem and landscape management that aims to maintain and restore key ecological processes and enhance human well‐being, while minimizing biodiversity loss. The forest transition model provides a useful framework for understanding the relative importance of forest conservation and restoration interventions in different regions. Harmonizing conservation and restoration presents serious challenges for forest policy in tropical countries, particularly regarding the use and management of secondary forests, fallow vegetation, and forests degraded by logging and fire. Research to implement restoration more effectively in tropical regions can be stimulated by transforming questions that initially focused on conservation issues. Examination of papers published in Biotropica from 2000–2018 shows that most studies relevant to tropical forest conservation do not address forest restoration issues. Forest restoration studies, on the other hand, show a consistent association with conservation issues. There is much scope for further integration of conservation and restoration in research, practice, and policy. Securing a sustainable future for tropical forests requires developing and applying integrated approaches to landscape management that effectively combine knowledge and tools from multiple disciplines with practical experience and engagement of local stakeholders. Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.

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Forest transitions in tropical landscapes: A test in the Atlantic Forest biodiversity hotspot

Cited by 21 publications

References 26 publications

Hidden destruction of older forests threatens Brazil’s Atlantic Forest and challenges restoration programs

Hidden destruction of older forests threatens Brazil’s Atlantic Forest and challenges restoration programs

The forest transition in São Paulo, Brazil: historical patterns and potential drivers

Towards more effective integration of tropical forest restoration and conservation

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