The cost of restoring forests has long been a formidable obstacle, raising questions about how to make such projects economically viable. And whilst native forest management, carbon credits, and payments for ecosystem services are often cited as solutions, they remain long-term prospects. Now, a group of researchers argue that the answer may lie in the overlooked potential of non-timber forest products, potentially valued at more than US $88 billion, to generate income whilst keeping forests intact. In a study published in Ambio, scientists from the University of São Paulo found that nearly 60 per cent of plant species sampled in the Paraíba do Sul Valley region possess some form of bioeconomic promise.
“The advantage of non-timber product management is that it’s based on the collection of leaves, branches, seeds, and fruits, constituting non-destructive management, keeping the forest standing and potentially bringing gains in the medium term,” said Pedro Medrado Krainovic, the study’s first author, who conducted the research during his postdoctoral work at USP’s Institute of Advanced Studies with support from FAPESP.
The team surveyed 46 forest plots, each measuring 900 square meters, across the valley that spans São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro. Of the 329 species identified, 283 were native, and 167—59 per cent—showed economic potential. Most were linked to medical applications, followed by cosmetics and food. Yet only 13 per cent of studies on these species had advanced to the stage of producing final products. Araucaria and juçara, both valued for their food uses, were among the most frequently studied.
To gauge market interest, the researchers examined patents filed worldwide. 78 species had patents registered in 61 countries, though only 8% were in Brazil. “The number of patents is evidence of the economic potential of these species. It gives us an idea of what can already arouse interest and commercial potential. At the same time, those without patents show how much can still be found through research and development, such as new medicinal molecules, cosmetics, and even foods,” Krainovic said.
The study suggests that non-timber products could serve as an economic bridge, offsetting restoration costs while timber species mature. Brazil’s Forest Code prohibits timber exploitation in permanent preservation areas, such as riverbanks and steep slopes, but sustainable extraction of non-timber products could fund reforestation in these regions. Such management would add multifunctionality to forests that already deliver critical ecosystem services, including water supply, soil protection, carbon sequestration, and pollination.
“It’s necessary to consider that the ultimate goal of ecosystem restoration is the return of ecosystem services, which are also important for agricultural activity. However, seeking sustainable ways to make these projects viable is a way to make restoration more attractive to rural producers,” Krainovic said.
The economic implications extend beyond forest health. Reforestation projects using native species are known to generate large numbers of jobs that require little formal training. A 2022 study published in People and Nature estimated that Brazil could create 2.5 million jobs if it meets its Paris Agreement target of restoring 12 million hectares by 2030.
Still, the researchers caution that exploitation must be carefully managed to avoid repeating past mistakes. Rosewood, once prized for its essential oil used in perfumes, was heavily exploited in the mid-20th century and is now threatened with extinction. Policies such as certification, public procurement, and sustainable market development will be essential to ensure that non-timber products contribute to restoration rather than degradation.
By cross-referencing species abundance, scientific literature, and patent data, the study offers a roadmap for future restoration projects across Brazil’s diverse biomes. “Rare, scarce species with significant economic potential could be added to active restoration projects involving the planting of seedlings. In turn, abundant and easily managed species that grow naturally can be better studied to find economic uses, stacking tangible and intangible values of forests and native species and creating ecological-economic multifunctionality,” Krainovic said.
More information: Pedro Medrado Krainovic et al, Bioeconomic opportunities in restored tropical forests, Ambio (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s13280-025-02234-5 Journal information: People and Nature, AMBIO
