TitleOpen letter: There are more than just trees and forests to be conserved and restored
Publication TypeWeb Article
Year of Publication2025
AuthorsPilon N, Peixoto F, Ratnam J, Sankaran M
PublisherPlants, People, Planet
Abstract

Tropical and subtropical grasslands and savannas have historically been neglected in global and local conservation policies. As a result, nearly half of their coverage has been lost. In 2023, the world's most biodiverse savanna (Brazilian Cerrado) lost 1.110.326 ha, increasing the rate of land conversion by 67.7% (MapBiomas, 2024). The resulting biodiversity and ecosystem service losses, including the ability to mitigate climate change, are profound and irreversible.

As scientists specialized in ecology, conservation, and restoration, from around the world, we call on policymakers at COP 16 to act decisively: Tropical and subtropical grasslands and savannas matter for biodiversity protection, and the future of this planet relies on these ecosystems to the same extent it relies on forests.

We urge the following commitments:

  • Prioritize conservation and adequate management of grasslands and savannas.
  • Establish mechanisms to reduce and halt land conversion in these ecosystems immediately.
  • Promote conservation aligned with local economic activities, such as ecotourism and sustainable bioeconomic initiatives.
  • Reject afforestation initiatives disguised as restoration efforts that harm these unique ecosystems.

 
URLhttps://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ppp3.10635
DOI10.1002/ppp3.10635