Slow Progress Under Brazil’s Native Vegetation Protection Law in the Southeastern Amazon

There is limited evaluation of the effectiveness of legal environmental protection on private properties in Brazil. This study updates the implementation progress and compensation potential under the Native Vegetation Protection Law (LPVN) in the Itacaiúnas River Basin (BHRI, 41,300 km²), located in Pará, the state with the highest deforestation rates in the Amazon over the past two decades. In 2021, the total Legal Reserve (RL) deficit in BHRI exceeded the surplus by 413 km². A significant portion of this deficit (55% or 2399 km²) could be addressed through compensation, with 3721 km² available within the basin, often in the same or neighboring municipalities. Despite nearly fifteen years since the enactment of the LPVN, progress remains slow in halting deforestation and restoring vegetation. By 2021, 1496 km² of RL deficit should have been under restoration or compensation for medium and large properties. However, only half of the 2008 RL deficit had been addressed. Likewise, just 25% of the 2008 Permanent Preservation Area (APP) deficit had been restored by 2021. Meanwhile, ongoing deforestation in RL and APPs, especially in settlements and small properties, highlights the need for more effective implementation mechanisms. While the state of Pará has made strides in registering and analyzing the Rural Environmental Registry (CAR), implementation of the Environmental Regularization Program (PRA) still faces major challenges. Innovative approaches, such as agroforestry, could help align restoration goals with landowners’ economic interests. Overcoming barriers to regulatory compliance will require coordinated efforts and stronger enforcement mechanisms.