The Atlantic Forest, one of the most biodiverse and populated biomes in Brazil, reached its lowest deforestation figure in four decades in 2025: 8,658 hectares, according to the SOS Mata Atlântica report. It is the first time since 1985 that forest cover loss has fallen below 10,000 hectares annually.
This biome, home to 80% of the Brazilian population and integrated by large cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, has historically suffered pressure from agriculture, urbanization, and commercial plantations.
Deforestation Dynamics
- Between 1985 and 2025, the Atlantic Forest lost 2.4 million hectares, equivalent to 8.1% of its surface.
- It currently retains only 31% of its original vegetation.
- One-third of the forest cover is less than 10 years old, reflecting the replacement of old forests with young vegetation.
- The annual loss of mature forests between 2000 and 2015 ranged from 220,000 to 80,000 hectares, with a minimum of 76,200 in 2015.
Pressure Factors
The advance of agriculture —soy, sugarcane, and coffee— has been the main driver of deforestation. Added to this are:
- Commercial plantations.
- Urban expansion.
- Weakened environmental legislation, such as the so-called “devastation bill,” which transfers deforestation authorization to local authorities.
Policies and Restoration
The 40% reduction in deforestation between 2024 and 2025 was confirmed by two independent data sets. This progress is attributed to public pressure, social mobilization, and the implementation of environmental policies.
Brazil also launched a forest restoration program in the Atlantic Forest:
- Recovery of 15,000 hectares degraded in Rio de Janeiro.
- Investment of USD 1.4 billion between 2023 and 2025.
- Planting of 280 million trees.
- Creation of 70,000 green jobs.
- Capture of 54 million tons of carbon.
Biodiversity in Recovery
A symbol of progress is the reproduction of the scarlet macaw in the Atlantic Forest for the first time in almost 200 years.
This species, key to seed dispersal, reflects the ecosystem’s resilience and the effectiveness of restoration policies.
Risks of Setback
Despite the achievements, threats persist:
- The approval of laws that weaken environmental protection.
- Possible political changes that reduce commitment to conservation.
- The accumulated deforestation, which remains high compared to the original coverage of the biome.
The historic decline in deforestation of the Atlantic Forest is an encouraging sign for conservation in Brazil. However, achieving “zero deforestation” will depend on maintaining strong policies, strengthening environmental legislation, and consolidating restoration programs that integrate economic development and ecological protection.
