Deforestation Policies

Issues with deforestation and what are the causes

Loss of species, disturbance of indigenous communities, loss of carbon absorption, altered water cycle. Causes: cattle ranching, infrastructure- roads, large dams and small subsistence farming.

What policies have been put in place?

Monitoring- satellite imaging however small areas not visible. Expansion of land rights- indigenous people have rights to land, monitor the logging. Anti-deforestation legislation, anti-logging, logging permits, farming restrictions- REDD+ program- success depends on consistent enforcement.

Describe the REDD+ initiative (In Brazil)

The REDD+ initiative in Brazil created the PAS program. Raised awareness on the forest code, provided information on property boundaries and its forest cover. Payments for environmental services- opportunity costs for farming.

Possible issues with the PAS?

Influx of cash may increase demand for beef. Spillover effects: positive- awareness for non participating farmers. negative- increasing beef prices mean non participants deforest more.

What were the effects of the REDDD+ in Brazil

Average of 4 hectares of forest saved per participant. Estimated 639,000 tons of CO2 absorbed in first 2 years.