Espécies exóticas na restauração florestal no nordeste brasileiro

Abstract

Ecological restoration has become a global priority, driving various initiatives around the world with the aim of reversing, or at least mitigating, the effects of environmental degradation. The use of exotic species in restoration dates back to the first activities carried out in Brazil, because there was no definition of the progeny of the species planted. For this reason, it is easy to find exotic species discussed in lists of theses, scientific articles, dissertations, among others that have been published in the country related to forest restoration. In view of the above, the aim of this study is to analyse the occurrence and distribution of exotic species in forest restoration, in studies and projects carried out in north-eastern Brazil, with the aim of clarifying dangers, threats and management methods. The specific objectives are: i) to highlight the number of exotic species found; ii) to classify and mention the distribution of species found in the northeast; iii) to clarify dangers and present management actions. The literature review also guides methodological decisions, providing parameters on how other researchers have approached similar problems. To carry out this study, research was carried out using secondary data from theses, dissertations, scientific articles and online platforms on the use of exotic species in forest restoration in projects carried out in north-eastern Brazil. The CAPES, Scielo, Google Scholar and Elicit journal platforms were used to select the bibliographic documents. The keywords used were: ‘exotic species’, ‘ecological restoration’, ‘forest restoration’, ‘restoration in the northeast’ and ‘exotic species in the northeast’. Between 2006 and 2024, there was a significant increase in the number of publications on forest restoration. Throughout this period, there was a gradual increase in the number of articles on the subject, reaching its peak in 2017, the year that concentrated 16.7%. Of the total of 65 documents, 57 provided some information on the use of exotic species in forest restoration, which corresponds to approximately 83.8% of the total files analysed. Therefore, overcoming these barriers requires investment in technical training, encouraging the production and distribution of native seedlings, strengthening public policies and monitoring compliance with the rules established by RENASEM. Only by aligning theory, practice and infrastructure will it be possible to consolidate effective, ecologically functional and socially viable forest restoration.