In a recent report released by the Observatory of the Forest Code, it was revealed that in Brasil, over 15 million hectares of rural properties overlap with forests.
This data, which emerged on Wednesday (21), sheds light on the complex relationship between land use and conservation efforts in the country.
The study further highlights that Brasil has more than 51 million hectares of land with overlapping rural properties and indigenous territories, quilombola lands, Conservation Units, public forests, and settlements.
This overlap underscores the intricate web of competing land interests and the challenges involved in balancing development with environmental preservation.
When examining the size of the legal reserve area, which refers to the vegetation that a rural property owner must preserve according to the Forest Code Law 12.651/2012, it becomes evident that a significant portion, 78%, is concentrated in just two biomes: the Amazon (48%) and the Cerrado (30%). This amounts to a total perimeter of 87 million hectares.
This data underscores the critical importance of sustainable land management practices and the need for effective strategies to protect and preserve forested areas within Brasil.
As the country grapples with the intricate interplay between economic development and environmental conservation, initiatives aimed at balancing these interests are crucial for the long-term sustainability of the nation’s natural resources.
Brazil Agency