Biodiversity: Brazil’s wasted economic potential

At the United Nations Biodiversity Summit (COP14), which will take place from November 13 to 27 in the Egyptian city of Sharm El Sheikh, the 196 countries which have signed the Convention on Biodiversity will work with scientists to develop a strategic plan for biodiversity. Brazil is a key player in that discussion, as it is home to 20 percent of earth’s biodiversity and 40 percent of its remaining forest coverage. As a matter of fact, 70 percent of natural areas in the world are found in only four countries besides Brazil: Australia, Canada, the U.S., and Russia.

Preserving Brazil’s biodiversity is not only an environmental concern but also an economic matter. Recent research shows that preserving natural vegetation is good business, even for agricultural producers, who constantly complain that environmental protections hamper their activities. A new report, by the Brazilian Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (BPBES), agrees. The country’s environmental assets are key to keeping Brazilian agribusiness—the motor of our economy—sustainable in the long run.

Of the country’s 141 crops, 85 depend on animal pollination (especially from bees), and over 40 percent of the primary energy production in the country...