Brazilian Amazon indigenous territories under deforestation pressure

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Conservation Biology
• Climate Science

Background:

• Indigenous territories (ITs) in the Brazilian Amazon have historically demonstrated effectiveness in reducing deforestation, fires, and carbon emissions.
• Recent trends show a significant increase in deforestation across the Brazilian Amazon biome.
• ITs are vital for preserving socio-environmental and cultural diversity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze deforestation trends inside and outside Brazilian Amazon indigenous territories from 2013 to 2021.
• To assess the impact of deforestation on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions within ITs.
• To evaluate changes in deforestation patterns and proximity to IT borders.

Main Methods:

• Utilized official remote sensing datasets to quantify deforestation.
• Analyzed deforestation rates and spatial distribution within and outside ITs.
• Calculated carbon dioxide emissions associated with deforestation within ITs.

Main Results:

• Deforestation within ITs increased by 129% from 2013 to 2021, with a notable rise in illegal mining activities.
• From 2019-2021, deforestation inside ITs was 195% higher and extended 30% farther inland compared to 2013-2018.
• Approximately 59% of the total 96 million tons of CO2 emissions from IT deforestation occurred in the last three years of the study period (2019-2021).

Conclusions:

• Urgent government intervention is required to curb escalating deforestation within indigenous territories.
• Protecting ITs is essential for securing land rights, preserving forests, and mitigating climate change impacts.
• The findings highlight the critical role of ITs in climate regulation and the urgent need for their enhanced protection.