Deforestation for Pasture Development – Has It Been Worth It?

Deforestation for Pasture Development – Has It Been Worth It?

Differing scenarios leading to deforestation for pasture development in savanna (woodland) and closed forest communities in the tropics – sub-tropics are compared and contrasted. Australian and Brazilian examples are highlighted. No simple answer is given to the question of whether deforestation for pasture development has been worth it, since both commercial and non-commercial values have equal validity and need to be taken into account. These issues are addressed in the context of land assigned by governments for agricultural purposes. It is concluded that technology and ecological understanding are now available to maintain sustainable production from converted forest systems. However emphasis should be on delivering this within the framework of existing deforested areas – rather than in expanding the area of forest conversion.