J. Pirker

Modelling Land Use Change in Brazil:2000-2050 (Dataset)

The input and output land cover dataset across all modelled time periods (2000-2050) and scenarios resulting from the work of the REDD-PAC project in Brazil. Please consult the data section of the REDD-PAC website (http://redd-pac.org/new_page.php?contents=data1.csv) to access a data visualization tool and to obtain the dataset in WFS format. This dataset can be accessed and displayed using GIS software such as QGIS. Please consult the metadata file for further instructions

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

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.

Using models to inform policies to meet multiple objectives. Sustainable development, climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation in Central Africa

Land-use change models can help in developing a holistic understanding of the range of potential impacts of different land-use related policy options, and so strengthen the development and implementation of policies to meet a range of objectives; including sustainable development, climate change mitigation, food security and biodiversity conservation. Member countries of the Central Africa Forest Commission (COMIFAC) have committed to sustainable management of the region’s forests, including under the COMIFAC “Convergence Plan”, and to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Achieving these objectives is dependent on the development, and implementation, of new and existing national policies and approaches. Projections from land-use modelling identify potential trade-offs and synergies in the achievement of the SDGs under different macro-economic and land-use policy related scenarios. In particular they highlight the importance of effective protected areas and forest concessions for the conservation of Great Apes and other threatened species, and show that maintaining these areas has negligible impact on agricultural production in the region. As development continues in the region, further increasing the extent of protected areas could play a role in greatly reducing the number of species losing a large proportion of their habitat. However, protected area expansion needs to be well planned to avoid adverse impacts on particular species and societal challenges such as food security.

Modelling Land Use Change in Brazil: 2000–2050

The input and output land cover dataset across all modelled time periods (2000-2050) and scenarios resulting from the work of the REDD-PAC project in Brazil. Please consult the data section of the REDD-PAC website (http://redd-pac.org/new_page.php?contents=data1.csv) to access a data visualization tool and to obtain the dataset in WFS format. This dataset can be accessed and displayed using GIS software such as QGIS. Please consult the metadata file for further instructions