Zero net deforestation

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Zero net deforestation

Zero net deforestation occurs when deforestation is compensated by the restoration or regeneration of native vegetation in another area.

Zero net deforestation occurs when each hectare deforested is compensated by reforestation or restoration of vegetation in another hectare. The practice is still rare in the country, despite being associated with targets for compliance with international agreements dealing with climate and biodiversity. In 2008, the objectives of the National Plan on Climate Change were to eliminate illegal deforestation and eliminate the net loss of forests by 2015. In Brazil’s commitments to the Paris Agreement, this target was postponed to 2030. An article published on Science in 2013 warned that betting on zero net deforestation could lead to compensation for losses in forests rich in wildlife and carbon with the planting of exotic species with low potential to help combat climate crises and the loss of biological diversity.