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Export-oriented deforestation in Mato Grosso: harbinger or exception for other tropical forests?
Ruth DeFries1, Martin Herold, Louis Verchot
1Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA. rd2402@columbia.edu
Summary
Deforestation drivers in Mato Grosso, Brazil, are common in other tropical nations, but replicating its success is difficult due to limited governance and monitoring capacity. This impacts global forest conservation efforts.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Tropical Ecology
- Conservation Biology
Background:
- Mato Grosso, Brazil, was a major deforestation hotspot driven by cattle ranching and soy production for export.
- Deforestation rates decreased significantly due to market forces, policy changes, enforcement, and improved monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if Mato Grosso's export-oriented deforestation drivers are common in other tropical forest countries.
- To assess the prevalence of governance and monitoring capacity needed to curb deforestation in these nations.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of agricultural exports, commercial agriculture, and urbanization as deforestation drivers.
- Evaluation of national-level governance and technical monitoring capabilities in tropical forest countries.
Main Results:
- 41-54% of deforestation in tropical countries (excluding Brazil) from 2000-2005 shared drivers similar to Mato Grosso.
- Few countries possessed comparable governance and monitoring capacity to Brazil.
- The ecological, hydrological, and social impacts of export-oriented agriculture were relevant to approximately one-third of tropical forest countries.
Conclusions:
- While deforestation drivers are widespread, replicating Mato Grosso's success is challenging due to limited governance and capacity.
- Export-oriented production landscapes are expanding, potentially diverging from traditional land-use transition models that increase forest cover.
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