What happens after conservation payments stop? Key findings from REDD+ in Brazil

Abstract

Key messages We assess the impacts of a REDD+ project that paid smallholders to reduce deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon, during and after payments. We find that payments were effective at reducing deforestation, but only while they were ongoing. After payments had ended, deforestation resumed, but not at a rate that eliminated previous forest conservation outcomes. Deforestation reductions required payments, but the environmental gains lasted.