Brazil’s Atlantic Forest Restinga Ecosystem Faces Deforestation
Why this is here: The study specifically details habitat loss due to the construction of a resort within a protected environmental area and a national park buffer zone, highlighting direct human impact on this vulnerable ecosystem.
SOS Mata Atlântica’s study revealed alarming deforestation levels in Brazil’s coastal restinga ecosystems, particularly in Ceará state. The study, “Restinga sob pressão,” found Brazil lost 453 hectares of this coastal ecosystem between 2023 and 2024. Seventy-six percent of this loss occurred along the Ceará coastline.
Restingas are sandy deposits parallel to the coast, supporting unique vegetation and wildlife. They protect the coastline from erosion, extreme weather, and water salinization.
Deforestation in Ceará stems from cashew farming expanding into native vegetation areas. Large real estate developments, including luxury resorts, also contribute to the loss.
One documented case involves a resort built within the Jijoca Lagoon Environmental Protection Area and the Jericoacoara National Park buffer zone. The organization warns the situation in Ceará serves as a national alert.