Using Models to inform Policies that meet multiple Objectives. Assessing the Contribution of Brazil's Forest Code to Biodiversity Conservation

Abstract

Land-use change models can help to develop a holistic understanding of the range of potential impacts of different land-use related policy options, and so can strengthen development and implementation of policies to meet a range of objectives, including biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, sustainable development and food security. Brazil’s Native Vegetation Protection Act, commonly known as the Forest Code (FC), is one example of a policy that can be used to achieve several objectives. Using land-use modelling to inform ongoing decisions on how the provisions of the FC are put into practice can help to increase its effectiveness in meeting multiple objectives and commitments. Model projections show that the full implementation of the provisions of the FC will both reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and contribute to conserving biodiversity in Brazil. They further highlight the importance for biodiversity conservation of implementing the Environmental Reserve Tradable Certificate (CRA in Portuguese) mechanism quickly and effectively. Model results also show the need to put in place additional measures to protect areas, such as the Caatinga forests and grassy savanna in the Cerrado, which may suffer increased land-use pressures as a result of the FC.