Costs and benefits of restoration are still poorly quantified: evidence from a systematic literature review on the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Author(s)

Schimetka, Lorenz R. ; Ruggiero, Patricia G. C. ; Carvalho, Raquel L. ; Behagel, Jelle ; Metzger, Jean Paul ; Nascimento, Nathalia ; Chaves, Rafael B. ; Brancalion, Pedro H. S. ; Rodrigues, Ricardo R. ; Krainovic, Pedro M.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: RESTORATION ECOLOGY; v. 32, n. 5, p. 14-pg., 2024-04-29.

Abstract

The achievement of international forest restoration goals requires economically viable land-use options. The Brazilian Atlantic Forest is a priority area for ecosystem restoration, as it is widely deforested to make place for intensive agriculture and one of the most threatened biodiversity hotspots in the world. We systematically reviewed existing scientific literature on the biome to highlight the evidence on economic benefits and costs of forest restoration. A total of 15 publications were identified that quantify costs and/or economic benefits of forest restoration. We observed that most studies (12) were published after 2018 and that research on the topic was biogeographically biased as 12 publications referred to study sites in Brazil's Southeast Region. Given its beneficial natural conditions, the Atlantic Forest is predestined for a wide range of restoration-related opportunities, yet economic benefits of restoration are underexplored (seven studies). Moreover, benefits from a multifunctional use of restored forests are almost absent in the literature with only three studies presenting primary data. Elaboration of restoration costs is also limited to 10 studies that focus predominantly on active restoration. Thus, we argue that the economic costs and benefits of forest restoration are not well understood. Clarity thereon is, however, critical for policy formulation and to mobilize private investments. We therefore call for studies to fill in the knowledge gap on restoration economics in the Atlantic Forest biome, and to study restoration economics in other biomes as well. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/06694-8 - BIOTA SYNTHESIS - Nucleus of Analysis and Synthesis of Nature-Based Solutions
• Grantee: Jean Paul Walter Metzger
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Problem-Oriented Research Centers in São Paulo
• FAPESP's process: 22/07381-9 - How human action affects the risk of zoonosis transmission in urban and rural landscapes: an one health approach
• Grantee: Raquel Luiza de Carvalho
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 22/07712-5 - Operationalizing policies for forest landscape restoration and forest-based economy
• Grantee: Pedro Medrado Krainovic
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral