Economic risks of environmental setbacks in Brazil’s Iguaçu National Park

A proposed road through Brazil’s Iguaçu National Park would fragment the park and undermine its ecological and economic value. Contrary to local claims, research shows that closing the Caminho-do-Colono road in 2017 did not harm the regional economy, while reopening it would offer no environmental or economic benefits—favoring small interest groups over collective well-being. The study evaluates scenarios where the park’s native vegetation and payments for environmental services support certain municipalities, demonstrating that maintaining its integrity is crucial for sustainable development. Using pre- and post-closure economic data, the analysis reveals that legislative attempts to downgrade protection are legally infeasible and counterproductive.

Prasniewski, V. M., Szinwelski, N., Brocardo, C. R., Fearnside, P. M., & Sobral-Souza, T. (2024). Economic risks of environmental setbacks in Brazil’s Iguaçu National Park. Environmental Conservation, 51(3), 227–235. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0376892924000201