Protecting Existing Forests May Deliver Greater Conservation Gains

Recently, a large Amazonian study found that protecting existing forests from degradation caused by wildfires and selective logging can deliver greater biodiversity benefits than restoration alone, while also safeguarding major carbon stocks.

What Did the Study Examine?

Researchers studied more than 3 million hectares in Pará, Brazil, using satellite imagery, field surveys and biodiversity models covering 160 bird species and 426 tree species.

They compared three conservation strategies:

1. Avoiding Deforestation: Preventing complete clearing of forests.
2. Avoiding Degradation: Protecting standing forests from disturbances such as logging and wildfires.
3. Forest Restoration: Re-establishing forests on previously cleared agricultural land.

Key Findings

• Biodiversity Protection: Preventing degradation of existing ....