In 2024, Brazil witnessed a catastrophic loss of 30.8 million hectares of native forest to fire—an area roughly the size of Italy. This staggering figure represents a 79% increase from the previous year’s burn rate, underscoring the accelerating pace of deforestation in the country. The environmental and social consequences of this devastation cannot be overstated: biodiversity is being eroded at an alarming rate, carbon emissions are spiking, and local communities are grappling with the fallout of forest degradation.
The primary driver behind these fires is human activity. Extractive land use expansion for commercial interests has led to purposeful burning to clear land. Additionally, there are troubling reports of fires started with the intention of expelling smallholder farmers—those who lack the resources and political influence to defend their interests—and of clearing land for lucrative real estate ventures. These intentional acts of burning have laid bare a nexus of economic and political pressures that override ecological and social concerns.
While reforestation efforts are crucial to mitigate environmental damage, the sheer scale of deforestation—tens of millions of hectares—makes them insufficient as the only solution. Restoring these vast tracts of land takes years, if not decades, and requires sustained funding and expertise. Meanwhile, the rate of deforestation is outpacing restoration efforts. If fires continue to sweep through regions at this magnitude, reforestation projects risk becoming little more than a temporary patch on an ongoing crisis.
In light of these challenges, a focus on empowering smallholder farmers to remain on their land emerges as the most viable strategy. By supporting these local communities with payments for ecosystem services, legal protections, fair market opportunities, and sustainable farming initiatives, deforestation can be slowed at its source. When small farmers have security and a vested interest in preserving the land—rather than being driven out by large commercial interests—they become guardians of the forests. Strengthening their position is not only an ecological necessity; it is also a matter of justice and human rights.
Learn more about how ReSeed is partnering with smallholder farmers in Brazil and around the world to help them remain on their land.