Building a Mutual Solution
Known for its rich biodiversity, Brazil’s Cerrado biome is currently undergoing one of the planet’s most rapid human-use transformations. The natural ecosystems are being cleared to create pasture and agricultural lands. Yet, this agricultural production is of tremendous economic importance to Brazil and the rest of the world.
The Cerrado Initiative emerged from the desire for an unprecedented dialogue among the primary parties involved in the biome: the business sector, foundations, public policy makers, researchers, rural farmers, and civil society. Our goal is to find concrete solutions to ensure that economic growth and environmental conservation are both taken into account during investment decisions for land-use planning.
Now is an opportune moment for discussions about ecosystem services. Environmental legislation is beginning to gain traction in Brazil with the Forest Code, and the business sector is becoming more engaged in climate change and low-carbon agriculture.
Instead of simply pointing out problems, the Cerrado Initiative seeks to build mutual solutions that optimize existing public policy. We focused on putting data to practical use, analyzing changes to the ecosystems, and identifying opportunities for land use.
