Planted forests and biodiversity
According
to the latest forecasts, if the deforestation continues at the current rate,
40% of the existing species in the world will be extinguished within the next
100 years.
In this scenario, Brazil has an undisputable role
because it’s the world’s leader of biodiversity (fauna and flora) sheltering
20% of the planet’s species. A good example of the relationship between the
production and the conservation of biodiversity comes from the planted trees
industry.
With regards to the flora, there is a great concern
taken into consideration when it comes to protecting the natural areas, as for
every hectare planted for industrial purposes, 0.7 hectares of the original
forests are kept intact which means that the area is protected. Today, this
represents about 6 million hectares.
The planted forests also contribute to the
preservation of wild fauna. The natural forests interspersed with productive
planted forests create ecological corridors which promote the circulation of
different species that maintain the natural habits of the animals, plants and
microorganisms guaranteeing the food and shelter by supplying enough products
for consumption.
Despite occupying less than 1% of the Brazilian
territory, the industry of planted forests counts 41% of endangered bird’s
species and 38% of endangered mammal species.
This proves that landscape management adequately
contributes to species survival, counteracting the concept that planted forests
are green deserts.
Source :
http://iba.org/images/shared/Biblioteca/Infografico_Biodiversidade.pdf
