Introduction
The Amazon, the world's largest tropical forest, is facing an unprecedented crisis. Deforestation, which was already a serious problem in the 1990s, continues to be a constant threat to biodiversity and the planet's climate. A recent study published by ClimaInfo points out that the lack of employment and income among Amazonian inhabitants is one of the main reasons driving deforestation in the region.
The Study
The study, titled “Rematamento produtivo, conservação e desenvolvimento econômico na Amazônia Brasileira”, highlights that Amazonians live with socioeconomic indicators below the national average. In 2021, the real per capita GDP of the Amazon Legal was R$ 32,000, almost a third below the R$ 44,000 recorded in the rest of Brazil. This economic fragility is closely linked to the scarcity of good jobs.
Consequences of Deforestation
Deforestation in the Amazon reached its peak in the 1990s, but never completely stopped. According to the study, part of the region's population is economically linked to activities that destroy the forest, such as mining, logging, and cattle ranching. And there are no alternatives to this.
Prioritization of Destructive Activities
The prioritization of destructive activities over preservation is reflected in electoral behavior. During the government of Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022), deforestation in the Amazon increased from 28.5 thousand km² to 45.6 thousand km². Still, Bolsonaro obtained between 65% and 75% of the votes in Rondônia, Acre, Mato Grosso, and Roraima in the re-election dispute.
Reversing the Perspective
Reversing this perspective involves what the researcher calls “rematamento produtivo”, or the conversion of already deforested and degraded pasture areas into agroforestry systems based on perennial species. This strategy would have as a success metric the generation of employment and income, and not just the extension of recovered area.
Conclusion
The study estimates that companies based in the Amazon already generate US$ 7.2 billion per year with products related to this type of activity. A value that represents only 3% of a total market estimated at US$ 230 billion. It is essential that sustainable economic alternatives are created for the region, prioritizing the generation of employment and income, and not just the extension of recovered area.
Source / Reference
Source: ClimaInfo