Maranhão, Brazil: Low-emission rural development (LED-R) at a glance

• Comprised of 3 ecosystems: Cerrado (64%), Amazon (35%) & Caatinga (1%); 80% of the state is within the Legal Amazon (~240,000 km2)
• Differing biome-specific environmental policies pose challenges for implementing statewide LED-R initiatives
• 70% of remaining forests located in indigenous peoples' (IP) territories & protected reserves; secondary vegetation (27% of deforested area) is unprotected, despite significant restoration potential
• Part of MATOPIBA region: agricultural frontier of the Cerrado spanning Maranhão, Tocantins, Piaui & Bahia states
• 20% of state's soybean crop area certified by Round Table for Responsible Soy (RTRS); ~65% of soy expansion on lands converted from native vegetation.
• Land concentration & monoculture in late 20th century contributed to socio-economic disparity & underdevelopment.
• Free Babaçu Law gives rights to babaçu harvesters (mostly women) for free access & community use of babaçu, even on private land, & prohibits cutting & burning palm trees to protect babaçu harvesting & promote sustainable agricultural development.

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