- University: AgroParisTech
- Place of defence: Montpellier
- Hosting institution(s): Thünen Institute
Abstract
Deforestation in the tropics has declined overall but remains high in the Brazilian Cerrado, where agricultural expansion is driving habitat loss. The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) aims to reduce commodity-driven deforestation and degradation but currently does not protect other wooded lands (OWL). The potential inclusion of OWL in EUDR will be assessed in 2027, yet effective monitoring remains uncertain due to inconsistent mapping products, definitions, and assessment techniques. This study therefore, aims to evaluate the representation of OWL in available land cover maps and examine the relationship between fragmentation and ecosystem services in the Cerrado. Harmonized maps were validated using reference points across the biome, and fragmentation metrics from these maps were modeled against biodiversity, biomass and other covariates in Maranhão state as a case study. Results show high variability in accuracy and spatial agreement among maps. Most OWL areas fall below FAO canopy thresholds, risking exclusion from EUDR monitoring. Fragmentation patterns also vary among maps, which can have measurable effects on the determination of biodiversity and carbon storage. These findings highlight the challenges of consistent OWL monitoring and its ecological implication. OWL inclusion in EUDR could improve global conservation efforts but require addressing mapping and definition uncertainties.
