Scientists from Brazilian and British universities found it 40% Of the areas used for livestock and agriculture in the Amazon has been abandoned. The study also shows that within a few years, nature itself has managed to regenerate these areas, forming so-called secondary forests.
The researchers used satellite images from the cities of Santarém and Paragominas, in the state of Pará, to analyze the environmental degradation. Then they went to the square and visited 310 special areas in the two municipalities.
Scientists have found that among 30% and 40% Including the presence of secondary forests. by place Nature has managed to renew itself in just over a year.
Trees appear in deserted areas and begin to take over the barren spaces, which are often no longer useful for agriculture. However, the study indicated that this change is short-lived.
“The other thing we found in this study is that these secondary forests tend to have a very short life. They are degraded again, for some sort of use. Either for pasture again, or for wood, but they degrade again before they become good forests. a long time ago,” explains Ricardo Solar, a professor in the UFMG Department of Environmental Genetics.
Therefore, the researchers say it is necessary to expand the debate on conservation. In addition to the fight to end deforestation in the Amazon, It is necessary to look at secondary forests as a conservation tool, and to put in place public policies to protect the environment for them, ensuring time for trees to grow and develop.
