Forest restoration in the Amazon could be one of the most powerful tools to reconcile environmental conservation, economic development, and climate action. With millions of hectares deforested and a high natural regeneration potential, the biome is uniquely positioned to lead a new forest-based economy—generating income through native forest products and carbon credits.
But how are Amazonian states contributing to turning this potential into reality?
That is the central question of a new study conducted by researchers from the Climate Policy Initiative/Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (CPI/PUC-Rio), in partnership with the Amazon 2030 project. The study analyzed the legal frameworks, programs, and instruments related to forest restoration across the seven Brazilian states where the Amazon biome is predominant: Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Mato Grosso, Pará, Rondônia, and Roraima.
Key findings:
Regional leadership: States such as Pará and Mato Grosso stand out for their early adoption of environmental policies, including pioneering Payment for Environmental Services (PES) and REDD+ initiatives—often ahead of the federal government.
Focus on mandatory restoration: Most state policies remain concentrated on legal obligations to restore degraded areas, with limited incentives for voluntary restoration.
Underused carbon market potential: With the exception of Pará, states have yet to fully leverage carbon markets as a financing strategy for forest restoration.
Bottlenecks in native species silviculture: Although crucial for combining restoration with income generation, the silviculture of native species faces regulatory barriers and lacks specific policy support.
Institutional fragmentation: Only Pará has developed a comprehensive and integrated native vegetation recovery plan. In other states, restoration actions are spread across disconnected policies, with limited coordination.
Pará leads the way
The state of Pará stands out for having launched Brazil’s first State Plan for Native Vegetation Recovery (PRVN), created forest restoration concessions, and recognized natural regeneration as a priority strategy. The state of Acre is also making progress, currently developing its own restoration plan.
Unlocking the future
To scale up forest restoration in the Amazon, the study highlights three urgent priorities:
Harmonize restoration regulations across states
Expand incentives for voluntary and productive restoration
Link the restoration agenda to market-based mechanisms, such as carbon credits
Read the full paper here.
