Estimates of deforestation avoided by protected areas: a case study in Brazilian tropical dry forests and Cerrado

Protected areas (PAs) in the Cerrado, specifically Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks, have demonstrated effectiveness in mitigating deforestation, though their impact has been modest. A study using matching methods and GIS techniques found that PAs established in the 1990s in northern Minas Gerais, Brazil, reduced deforestation rates by 1.62% between 1996 and 2009. The research revealed that geographical factors, such as proximity to large cities or roads and location in flat regions, significantly influenced the effectiveness of PAs. These findings align with global trends, indicating that PAs are often established in remote areas with lower deforestation pressure.

Clemente, C. M. S., Espírito-Santo, M. M. d., & Leite, M. E. (2020). Estimates of deforestation avoided by protected areas: a case study in Brazilian tropical dry forests and Cerrado. Landscape Research, 45(4), 470–483. https://doi.org/10.1080/01426397.2020.1730773